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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 20-F
(Mark One)
☐ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
or
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
the transition period from to
For
or
☐ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report
For the transition period from to 77
Commission file number: 000-51469
Baidu, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Baidu Campus
No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street
Haidian District, Beijing 100085
The People’s Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices)
Herman Yu, Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: +(86 10) 5992-8888
Email: ir@baidu.com
Facsimile: +(86 10) 5992-0000
Baidu Campus
No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street,
Haidian District, Beijing 100085
The People’s Republic of China
(Name, Telephone, Email and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Trading Symbol
BIDU
Title of Each Class
American depositary shares (each American depositary share
representing eight Class A ordinary share, par value
US$0.000000625 per share)
Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000000625 per share*
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(The Nasdaq Global Select Market)
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(The Nasdaq Global Select Market)
*
Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing on The Nasdaq Global Select Market of American depositary shares.
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the Issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report 2,107,228,720 Class A ordinary shares and 571,900,320
Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.000000625 per share, as of December 31, 2020.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that
the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”
“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ☒
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any
new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
† The term “ new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Emerging growth company ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated filer ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ☒
If “ Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ☐ Other ☐
Item 17 ☐
Item 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under
a plan confirmed by a court. Yes ☐ No ☐
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Key Information
Information on the Company
Unresolved Staff Comments
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Directors, Senior Management and Employees
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
Financial Information
The Offer and Listing
Additional Information
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
INTRODUCTION
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
PART I
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 4A.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
PART II
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
Item 16A.
Item 16B.
Item 16C.
Item 16D.
Item 16E.
Item 16F.
Item 16G.
Item 16H.
PART III
Item 17.
Item 18.
Item 19.
SIGNATURES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Controls and Procedures
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Code of Ethics
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
Corporate Governance
Mine Safety Disclosure
Financial Statements
Financial Statements
Exhibits
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In this annual report, except where the context otherwise requires and for purposes of this annual report only:
INTRODUCTION
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
“we,” “us,” “our company,” “our,” or “Baidu” refers to Baidu, Inc., its subsidiaries, and, in the context of describing our operations and
consolidated financial information, our consolidated affiliated entities in China, including but not limited to Beijing Baidu Netcom Science
Technology Co., Ltd., or Baidu Netcom; “iQIYI” refers to iQIYI, Inc. (formerly known as “Ding Xin, Inc.” and “Qiyi.com, Inc.”), a
company incorporated in the Cayman Islands listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “IQ” and one of our subsidiaries;
“user traffic” or “traffic” refers generally to page views of a website, with “page views” measuring the number of web pages viewed by
internet users over a specified period of time except that multiple page views of the same page viewed by the same user on the same day
are counted only once;
“DAU”, or daily active user, refers to the average number of mobile devices that launched our mobile apps at least once during a day
within a specific period;
“MAU’, or monthly active user, refers to the number of mobile devices that launched our mobile apps during a given month;
“China” or “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China, and solely for the purpose of this annual report, excluding Taiwan, Hong Kong
and Macau;
“shares” or “ordinary shares” refers to our ordinary shares, which include both Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares;
“Class A ordinary shares” refers to Class A ordinary shares of the share capital of our company with a par value of US$0.000000625 each,
conferring a holder of a Class A ordinary share one vote per share on all matters submitted for voting at general meetings of our company;
“Class B ordinary shares” refers to Class B ordinary shares of the share capital of our company with a par value of US$0.000000625 each,
conferring weighted voting rights in our company such that a holder of a Class B ordinary share is entitled to 10 votes per share on all
matters submitted for voting at general meetings of our company;
“ADSs” refers to our American depositary shares, each ADSs representing eight Class A ordinary shares;
“U.S. GAAP” refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States;
“RMB” or “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of China;
“$,” “dollars,” “US$” or “U.S. dollars” refers to the legal currency of the United States; and
all discrepancies in any table between the amounts identified as total amounts and the sum of the amounts listed therein are due to
rounding.
On March 1, 2021, we effected a change to our authorized share capital by 1-to-80 subdivision of shares. Concurrently, we effected a
proportionate change in ADS to Class A ordinary share ratio from 10 ADSs representing 1 Class A ordinary share to each ADS representing 8 Class A
ordinary shares, or the Share Subdivision. Such changes been reflected retroactively throughout this document.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and views of future events. These
statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-
looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “is/are likely to” or
other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and
financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to:
•
•
our operations and business prospects;
our business and operating strategies and our ability to implement such strategies;
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
our ability to develop and manage our operations and business;
competition for, among other things, capital, technology and skilled personnel;
our ability to control costs;
our ability to identify and conduct investments and acquisitions, as well as integrate acquired target(s);
changes to regulatory and operating conditions in the industry and geographical markets in which we operate;
our dividend policy; and
all other risks and uncertainties described in “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors.”
We would like to caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and you should read these statements in conjunction
with the risk factors disclosed in “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors.” Those risks are not exhaustive. We operate in a rapidly evolving
environment. New risks emerge from time to time and it is impossible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all
factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any
forward-looking statement. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements except as required under applicable
law.
Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in this annual report are made at a rate
of RMB6.5250 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of December 31, 2020 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of The Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System. We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S.
dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all.
Item 1.
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
PART I
Item 2.
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3.
Key Information
A.
Selected Financial Data
The following table presents the selected consolidated financial information for our company. The selected consolidated statements of
comprehensive income data and cash flow data for the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and the consolidated balance sheets data as
of December 31, 2019 and 2020 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in this annual report
beginning on page F-1. The selected consolidated statements of comprehensive income data and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2016
and 2017 and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 have been derived from our audited consolidated
financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, which are not included in this annual report. Our historical results do not
necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with, and are
qualified in their entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects” below. Our audited consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Starting from January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), which reclassifies value added
taxes, or VAT, from cost of revenues to net against revenues,
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among other changes. The consolidated statement of comprehensive income data for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 presented
below have been prepared in accordance with ASC 606, while the consolidated statements of comprehensive income data for the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2017 presented below have been prepared in accordance with ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”).
2016(1)
RMB
2017(1)
RMB
Year Ended December 31,
2018(2)
RMB
2019(2)
RMB
2020(2)
RMB
US$
(In millions, except per share and per ADS data)
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Data:
Revenues:
Online marketing services
Others
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit
Total other income (loss), net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income (loss)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
72,840 11,163
64,525 73,146
6,024 11,663
5,247
34,234
70,549 84,809 102,277 107,413 107,074 16,410
81,912
20,365
78,093
29,320
35,278 43,062
15,071 13,128
10,151 12,928
60,500 69,118
10,049 15,691
4,460 5,592
14,509 21,283
2,913 2,995
11,596 18,288
(13)
11,632 18,301
(36)
62,850
51,744
19,910
19,231
15,772
18,346
86,747 101,106
6,307
15,530
(6,647)
11,795
(340)
27,325
1,948
4,743
(2,288)
22,582
(4,345)
(4,991)
2,057
27,573
8,454
55,158
2,769
18,063
19,513
2,989
92,734 14,212
2,198
14,340
1,341
8,750
3,539
23,090
4,064
623
2,916
19,026
(3,446)
(528)
3,444
22,472
(1)
(2)
VAT is presented in cost of revenues rather than net against revenues in accordance with the legacy revenue accounting standard (ASC 605).
VAT is presented as net against revenues rather than in cost of revenues in accordance with the new revenue accounting standard (ASC 606).
2016
2017
As of December 31,
2019
2018
2020
RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB US$
(In millions)
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Short-term investments, net(1)
Total assets(2)
Short-term loans
Long-term loans, current portion
Long-term loans
Notes payable, current portion
Notes payable
Convertible senior notes, current portion
Convertible senior notes
Total liabilities
Total Baidu, Inc. shareholders’ equity
996
318
252
758
2,189
1,115
3,468
6,822
5,203
10,898 11,084 27,638 33,443 35,782 5,484
117
71,196 89,381 111,626 112,924 126,402 19,372
181,997 251,728 297,566 301,316 332,708 50,990
3,016
462
7,427 1,138
— —
— —
27,648 29,111 42,735 38,090 48,408 7,419
728
—
4,712 12,297 11,927 1,828
84,254 121,356 121,814 128,501 140,865 21,589
92,274 115,346 162,897 163,599 182,696 27,999
1,244
10
6,701
6,500
2,618
737
7,804
5,219
3,046
84
7,456
6,871
—
—
—
—
4,752
—
(1) We adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial
Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) on January 1, 2020, which requires the
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measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment
model with an expected loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of credit losses.
(2) We adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02: Leases on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method. Right-of-use
assets (“ROU assets”) and lease liabilities (including current and non-current) for operating leases are presented on the face of the consolidated balance sheets as
of December 31, 2019 and 2020, while the consolidated balance sheet data for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 have been prepared in
accordance with ASC topic 840 (“ASC 840”), Leases.
2016
RMB
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
US$
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
22,480 32,828 35,967 28,458 24,200 3,709
(35,911) (76,949) (34,460) (19,974) (27,552) (4,223)
869
14,447 44,557 15,082
323
120 18,491
(3,873)
4,612
5,665
2,101
1,160
Consolidated Cash Flow Data:
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
If we fail to retain existing customers or attract new customers for our online marketing services, our business, results of operations and growth
prospects could be seriously harmed.
We generate a substantial majority of our revenues from online marketing services, a substantial majority of which are derived from our
pay-for-performance, or P4P, services. Our online marketing customers will not continue to do business with us if their investment does not generate
sales leads and ultimately consumers, or if we do not deliver their web pages in an appropriate and effective manner. Our P4P customers may choose to
discontinue their business with us, which are not subject to fixed-term contracts. In addition, third parties may develop and use certain technologies to
block the display of our customers’ advertisements and other marketing products on our Baidu platform, which may in turn cause us to lose customers
and adversely affect our results of operations. Furthermore, as our auction-based P4P services enable our customers to bid for priority placement of their
paid sponsored links, we may lose customers if they find the bidding mechanism not cost effective or otherwise not attractive. Additionally, if our users
do not increase their engagement on our platform, or our content ecosystem fails to offer rich and quality content that meets users’ tastes and
preferences, or our users spend more time with or otherwise satisfy their content consumption demands on competing platforms, or we otherwise
experience user traffic decline due to any reason, it would be difficult for us to attract new customers or retain existing customers. If our customers
determine that their expenditures on our platform do not generate expected returns, they may allocate a portion or all of their advertising budgets to
other advertising channels, such as television, outdoor media and other online marketing platforms, and reduce or discontinue business with us. Failure
to retain our existing customers or attract new customers for our online marketing services could seriously harm our business, results of operations and
growth prospects. We have recorded substantial customer deposits and deferred revenue, which mainly consist of deposits received from certain
customers of our online marketing services. If we are unable to fulfill our obligation in respect of such customer deposits and deferred revenue, we may
have to refund the balance to our customers and our cash flow and liquidity position would be materially adversely affected.
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Since most of our customers are not bound by long-term contracts, they may amend or terminate advertising arrangements with us easily without
incurring liabilities. Failure to retain existing customers or attract new ones to advertise on our platform may materially and adversely affect our
business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We have in the past removed, and may in the future again remove, questionable listings or advertisements to ensure the quality and reliability of
our search results and/or information feed. Such removal, whether temporary or permanent, may cause affected customers to discontinue their business
with us or negatively impact our relationships with affected Baidu Union partners. We also examine the relevant business licenses and bank accounts of
prospective customers prior to business engagement, as a quality control measure. In addition, we have taken steps to implement measures requested by
PRC regulatory authorities, such as modifying paid search practices and limiting the amount of displays. We have also proactively implemented
numerous additional measures to deliver a better user experience and build a safer and more trustworthy platform for users. Such measures have had a
negative impact on the number of customers and our revenues, although we believe such impact is likely to be temporary. PRC regulations on online
marketing services are evolving, and uncertainties remain with respect to the implementation of and compliance with new regulations that may emerge,
which in turn may have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and growth prospects.
Our business and results of operations could continue to be materially and adversely affected by the challenging macroeconomic environment
impacting online marketing demand.
Online marketing services continue to be a primary source of our revenues, although we have seen declines in online marketing revenues in 2018,
2019 and 2020, mainly due to the weakness in online advertising demand as our customers face challenging macroeconomic environment in their
respective industries and in the general economy, including the significant adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Our business and results
of operations could continue to be materially and adversely affected by the challenging macroeconomic environment and the general growth in online
marketing through internet search or feed. While the internet has developed to a more advanced stage in China, customers have many channels to
conduct online marketing and promotions. As users may not spend as much time on search-plus-newsfeed as they do on other types of internet
platforms, many current and potential customers may not allocate as much of their marketing budgets to online marketing through search-plus-
newsfeed, as compared to other methods of online marketing. Our ability to increase revenue and profitability from online marketing may be adversely
impacted by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
difficulties associated with developing and maintaining a larger user base with demographic characteristics attractive to online marketing
customers and maintaining and increasing user engagement;
increased competition and potential re-allocation of marketing budgets and downward pressure on online marketing prices, for example,
resulting from an oversupply of advertising inventory released into the market;
higher customer acquisition costs due in part to the limited experience of small to medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, with the internet as
a marketing channel or due to competition;
decreased use of our search and paid click because search queries are increasingly being undertaken via voice-activated smart devices,
apps, social media or other online platforms;
growing reluctance of users to click on search results marked as advertisements;
ineffectiveness of our online marketing delivery, tracking and reporting systems; and
decreased use of internet or online marketing in China.
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Our business depends on a strong brand, and if we are unable to maintain and enhance our brand, our business and results of operations may be
harmed.
We believe that our brand “Baidu” has contributed significantly to the success of our business. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing the
“Baidu” brand is critical to increasing the number of our users, customers, Baidu Union partners and content providers, as well as to expanding our
developer communities and to attracting and retaining enterprise and public sector customers and partners. We have conducted various marketing and
brand promotion activities, but we cannot assure you that these activities will achieve the brand promotion effect expected by us. If we fail to maintain
and further promote the “Baidu” brand, or if we incur excessive expenses in this effort, our business and results of operations may be materially and
adversely affected.
In addition, any negative publicity about our company, our products and services, our employees, our business practices, our search results or the
platform to which our search results link, regardless of its veracity, could harm our brand image and in turn adversely affect our business and results of
operations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to defuse negative publicity to the satisfaction of our investors, users, customers and business
partners. From time to time, there has been negative publicity about our company and our business practice, which has adversely affected our public
image and reputation during certain periods of intense negative publicity. For example, in 2018, Chinese media reported incidents where users had been
defrauded by health care and logistics service providers that they found through search listings on Baidu. Also in 2018, an editorial falsely alleged that,
unlike Google, Baidu was biased in displaying its feed content in its search results. This editorial attracted the attention of the general public and
Chinese media, including state-owned news agencies, and adversely affected our public image. In 2019, Shenzhen Consumer Council received
complaints from users who encountered false travel information provided by false travel agencies through search listings on Baidu. The negative
publicity surrounding these incidents have resulted in significant adverse impact on our public image and reputation. Intense negative publicity may
divert our management’s attention and may adversely impact our business. We cannot assure you that our brand, public image and reputation will not be
materially and adversely affected in the future.
We face risks associated with our acquisition of YY Live and its online live streaming business.
Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into definitive agreements with JOYY Inc. and certain of its affiliates, which
are collectively referred to as JOYY, to acquire YY Live on November 16, 2020, and subsequently amended the share purchase agreement on
February 7, 2021. The acquisition has been substantially completed, with certain customary matters remaining to be completed in the near future. On
November 18, 2020, Muddy Waters issued a short seller report containing certain allegations against JOYY, including YY Live business. Based on
public records, in November 2020, JOYY and certain of its current and former officers and directors were named as defendants in a federal putative
securities class action alleging that they made material misstatements and omissions in documents filed with the SEC regarding certain of the allegations
contained in the Muddy Waters short seller report. On February 8, 2021, JOYY publicly disclosed that its audit committee conducted an independent
review of the allegations raised in the report related to the YY Live business, with the assistance of independent counsel, working with a team of
experienced forensic auditors and data analytics experts, and that the review concluded that the allegations raised and conclusions reached in the report
about the YY Live business were not substantiated. We are currently unable to predict the possible or further consequence that may arise from or relate
in any way to the allegations contained in the Muddy Waters short seller report. There might be other class actions or regulatory enforcement actions in
connection with such allegations. Any adverse outcome as a result of the short seller report, or any class action or regulatory enforcement action in
connection thereof, could have a material adverse effect on YY Live’s business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows, and reputation, and
we may record impairment charges or write-offs of intangible assets and goodwill in connection with the acquisition in the future. Even if the allegations
against JOYY may ultimately be proven to be groundless, we may have to allocate a portion of our resources to make assessment in relation to the short
seller report and various matters provided for in the share purchase agreement. In the event that there is a dispute as to whether indemnification
provision is triggered, we may need to utilize a
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significant portion of our resources and divert management’s attention from our day-to-day operations to resolve such disputes, including any litigation
or other legal proceedings arising thereof.
There can be no assurance that the acquired YY Live will bring the anticipated benefits to us. We have relatively limited experience with
operating the online live streaming business and we may not be able to successfully integrate YY Live into our existing business. We face uncertainties
and challenges in navigating the complex regulatory environment, competing effectively in attracting and retaining users and hosts, and developing
and/or upgrading products and services as well as technologies to meet everchanging user needs. If implemented ineffectively or if impacted by
unforeseen negative economic or market conditions or other factors, we may not realize the full anticipated benefits of the acquisition of YY Live. Our
failure to meet the challenges involved in realizing the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of YY Live could cause an interruption of, or a loss of
momentum in, our activities and could adversely affect our results of operations. The acquisition and integration of the businesses may result in material
unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses and diversion of management’s attention, and we may record impairment charges or
write-offs in connection therewith if the anticipated benefits of the acquisition fail to realize. We would be subject to and may not be able to successfully
manage a variety of additional risks associated with respect to combining YY Live with us. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
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the online live streaming business is based on a relatively new business model in a relatively new market in which user demand may
change or decrease substantially;
challenges in the integration of operations and systems and in managing the expanded operations of a larger and more complex company;
challenges in achieving anticipated business opportunities and growth prospects from combining the businesses of YY Live with the rest of
our businesses;
rules and measures governing online live streaming businesses and hosts are complex and evolving, and we may not be able to navigate
such complex regulatory environment or to respond to future changes in regulatory environment in an effective and timely manner;
we may face significant risks related to the content and communications on YY Live, as a majority of the communications on YY Live are
conducted in real time, and we are unable to verify the sources of all information posted thereon or examine the content generated by users
before it is posted;
the revenue model for online live streaming may not remain effective, and we may not be able to retain existing users, attract new users,
keep users engaged and attract more paying users;
we may not be able to retain or attract popular talents such as performers, channel managers, professional game players, commentators and
hosts for our live streaming platform or these talents may fail to draw fans or participants; and
unanticipated additional costs and expenses resulting from integrating into our business additional personnel, operations, products,
services, technology, internal controls and financial reporting responsibilities.
We face significant competition and may suffer from loss of users and customers as a result.
We face significant competition in almost every aspect of our business. For Baidu Core business, our primary competitors are mainly internet
companies, online marketing platforms in China and other search engines. We compete with these entities for both users and customers on the basis of
user traffic, cyber security quality (relevance) of search (and other marketing and advertising) results, availability and user experience products and
services, distribution channels and the number of associated third-party websites. iQIYI competes with Tencent Video and Youku for both users and
advertising customers. iQIYI also competes with other internet media and entertainment services, such as internet and social platforms and short-form
video platforms, as well as major TV stations. iQIYI competes with these market players primarily on the basis of obtaining IP rights to
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popular content, conducting brand promotions and other marketing activities, and making investments in and acquisitions of business partners. See
“Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Competition.” Some of our competitors have significant financial resources, long
operating histories and are experienced in attracting and retaining their users, accommodating their users’ habits and preferences and managing
customers. They may use their experience and resources to compete with us in a variety of ways, including competing for users and their time,
customers, third-party agents, content, strategic partners and networks of third-party websites/wapsites, investing more heavily in research and
development and making investments and acquisitions. Our business environment is rapidly evolving and competitive. Our business faces changing
technologies, shifting user needs, and frequent introductions of rival products and services. Some of our competitors in the search sector may have
innovative business models, extensive distribution network or proprietary content or technologies that may provide users with better user experience and
customers with better services. They may use their resources in ways that could affect our competitive position, including developing new products,
making acquisitions, continuing to invest heavily in research and development and in talent, and continuing to compete aggressively for users,
advertisers, customers, the acquisition of traffic and content. If any of our competitors provides comparable or better Chinese language search and feed
experience or internet video services, our user traffic could decline significantly. Additionally, if the channels and properties that we use to distribute
services or products to our users and customers are no longer available to us, we may experience a decline in user traffic. Any such decline in traffic
could weaken our brand and result in loss of users and customers, which could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations.
There are vertical service providers in the forms of mobile apps and/or websites that allow users to search within their closed ecosystems. There
players often purchase traffic from search engineers and try to retain their users by offering comprehensive services on their platforms. As these vertical
service providers expand, though they will continue to acquire traffic from search engines, their reliance on search engines may decline, especially if
they can consolidate their industry verticals.
We also face competition from other types of advertising media, including traditional advertising media, such as newspapers, magazines, yellow
pages, billboards, other forms of outdoor media, television and radio, mobile apps, webcasting and online video. Large companies in China generally
allocate, and may continue to allocate, a limited portion of their budgets to online marketing, as opposed to traditional advertising and other forms of
advertising media. If these companies do not devote a larger portion of their marketing budgets to online marketing services provided by us, or if our
existing customers reduce the amount they spend on online marketing, our results of operations and growth prospects could be adversely affected.
If our expansions into new businesses are not successful, our future results of operation and growth prospects may be materially and adversely
affected.
As part of our growth strategy, we enter into new businesses from time to time to generate additional revenue streams and through our
development of new business lines or strategic investments in or acquisitions of other businesses. Expansions into new businesses may present
operating, marketing and compliance challenges that differ from those that we currently encounter.
We have invested significant resources in the research and development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and have made significant
progress in the commercialization of AI-enabled offerings, including in-app services, cloud services and solutions, intelligent driving services and
solutions and smart devices and services. We plan to continue to invest capital and other resources into our AI-enabled business operations. However, AI
technology is rapidly evolving with significant uncertainties, and we cannot assure you that our investment and exploration in AI technology and
AI-enabled products and services will be successful. Our operating results may also suffer if our innovation is not responsive to the needs of our users,
customers and partners, inappropriately timed with market opportunities, or marketed ineffectively. For example, we have limited experience with
operating and scaling AI-enabled business, including cloud services and solutions, intelligent driving services and solutions and smart devices and
services, which could subject us to various challenges and risks, including developing and
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managing relationships with enterprises and public sector customers and partners, who are likely to have different needs and preferences from our
existing customers, users and partners, highly competitive procurement processes, instances of corrupt practices or other illegal gains, longer receivable
payment cycles and lower collection rates. We also may not alter our business practices in time to avoid or reduce adverse effects from any of the
foregoing risks. In addition, our AI-enabled business requires very different products and services, sales and marketing channels and internal operational
systems and processes. These requirements could disrupt our current operations and harm our financial condition and operating results, especially during
the initial stage of investment, development and scaling of our new AI-enabled offerings.
We may also enter into other markets and industries/industry verticals that are new to us through organic business initiatives or investment and
acquisitions, such as live streaming, e-commerce and healthcare vertical including internet hospital, which may subject us to different and unforeseen
risks. However, we cannot assure you that such efforts will be successful. For these new markets and industries/industry verticals, we may not have
sufficient experience and may not be able to navigate the rapidly evolving regulatory environment or forecast and meet the continually changing
demands and preferences for products and services. Some of these new markets and industries/industry verticals are emerging with relatively novel and
untested business models. Any of the foregoing could pose significant challenges to us. We may not realize the anticipated benefits of our investments or
acquisitions, due to the uncertainties related to the performance and valuation of the relevant targets, or failure to integrate the targets into our existing
business, or difficulty in operating the acquired business with our existing expertise and resources. See also “—Our strategy of investments and
acquiring complementary businesses and assets may fail.”
It is uncertain whether our strategies will attract users and customers or generate the revenue required to succeed. If we fail to generate sufficient
usage of our new products and services, we may not grow revenue in line with the significant resources we invest in these new businesses. This may
negatively impact gross margins and operating income. Commercial success of our expansion into new business areas depends on many factors,
including innovativeness, competitiveness, effectiveness of distribution and marketing, and pricing and investments strategies, especially in the early
stage of competition for market share. For example, the smart transportation industry is highly competitive and fragmented. Our current and potential
competitors in this industry range from large and established technology companies to emerging start-ups. Some competitors have longer operating
histories in the sector. They can use their experience, resources and network in ways that could affect our competitive position, including making
acquisitions, continuing to invest heavily in research and development and in talents, aggressively initiating intellectual property claims (whether or not
meritorious), and continuing to compete aggressively for customers, partners and investees. Our competitors may be able to innovate and provide
products and services faster than we can or may foresee product-and-service needs before us. As a result, we may not achieve significant revenue from
our new business areas, such as our AI-enabled business operations, for several years, or at all, and may incur significant losses during the process and
fail to recoup our investments. On the other hand, market conditions and general acceptance of products and services could be adversely impacted if
other players in the market fail to adopt appropriate business and operational model, develop and offer successful products and services and develop and
adapt appropriate technologies and infrastructure. If the markets of our new businesses, such as intelligent driving and electric vehicle, do not develop
and grow as we anticipate, we may incur significant loss from our new businesses and our growth prospects may be materially adversely impacted.
In addition, we may encounter regulatory uncertainties related to new business areas that we enter into. The laws and regulations related to AI
technology and products are at an early stage of development and still evolving in China. The effects of such laws and regulations remain unclear and
may add uncertainties to the development and operation of our AI-related business. For example, as PRC regulatory framework on autonomous driving
evolves, we may be required to comply with approval and other compliance requirements for autonomous driving road test and related data collection
and sharing promulgated by PRC authorities from time to time. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—
Regulations on Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Driving Vehicles.” We may confront other challenges as we enter new business
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domains, including the lack of adoption of new products and services, the lack of management talent in the new business, cost management and other
factors required for the expansion of new businesses.
We have experienced slowdowns and declines in our revenues, and we may sustain net loss from time to time, and we may experience downward
pressure on our operating and profit margins in the future.
Our total revenues grew at a compound annual growth rate of 11.0% from 2016 to 2020. Our growth was driven in part by the growth in China’s
internet and online marketing industries, which may not be indicative of future growth or be sustainable. Our revenue growth slowed down in 2019 and
declined in 2020 as compared to that of 2019, due to the decline in our online marketing services. We could continue to experience a decline in our
revenues, as a result of a number of factors, including changes in the mix of products and services, customer demographics, industry and channel,
changes in policy or policy implementation, increase in market competition for marketing and/or new AI offerings, and decrease in pricing arising from
an oversupply of advertising inventory in the market, which has been witnessed since 2019. We may also experience a decline in our revenue or revenue
growth rate, if there is a decrease in the rate of adoption for our products, services and technologies, or deceleration or decline in demand for platforms
used to access our services, among other factors.
Our operating margin increased from 6% in 2019 to 13% in 2020. Net income attributable to us as a percentage of revenue changed from 2% in
2019 to 21% in 2020. We may experience downward pressure on our operating margin from increasing competition, revenue growth slower than
expenses, and increased costs from many aspects of our business, including within online marketing where revenue growth does not keep up with traffic
growth and related infrastructure costs to support our online properties, such as Baidu App, video-related and other products requiring huge data
transmission and computing power. We may also pay increased fees for our distribution channels, as well as increased content acquisition costs to
content providers. Additionally, an increase in personnel-related costs, an increase in spending to promote new products and services, the expiration of
temporary tax exemptions or reductions, and the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which has negatively affected our revenue growth and delayed
certain spending, may dampen our operating margin. We may also experience downward pressure on our operating margin resulting from a variety of
factors, such as the expansion of our business into new areas, including AI cloud, intelligent driving, voice assistant & smart device, all of which have
margins much lower than that of online marketing. Our operating margin may also be negatively impacted from a greater proportion of revenue
contributed by new business areas, which has grown faster than online marketing.
In addition, we may also sustain net loss from time to time. We experienced significant losses from investment write downs in the third quarter of
2019, and experienced foreign currency fluctuation from time to time. We may experience further investment impairment and currency losses in the
future. Declining operating margin and investment impairment have caused us to experience a net loss in 2019 and the first quarter of 2020, and there is
no guarantee that we will be profitable in the future.
Due to these factors and the evolving nature of our business, our historical revenue growth rate, historical operating margin and historical
profitability may not be indicative of our future performance.
If we fail to continue to innovate and provide products, services and high-quality internet experience that attract and retain users, we may not be
able to generate sufficient user traffic to remain competitive; we may expend significant resources in order to remain competitive.
Our success depends on providing products and services to attract users and enable users to have a high-quality internet experience. In order to
attract and retain users and compete against our competitors, we must continue to invest significant resources in research and development to enhance
our artificial intelligence (AI) or other new technologies, improve our existing products and services, and introduce additional high-quality products and
services. If we are unable to anticipate user preferences or industry changes, enhance the quality of our products and services on a timely basis or fail to
provide sufficient content, or provide other consumer-facing
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services and products, including our maps and smart devices, to our users’ satisfaction, we may suffer a decline in the size of our user base. Our results
of operations may also suffer if our innovations do not respond to the needs of our users, are not appropriately timed with market opportunities or are not
effectively brought to market. As search, marketing and AI technologies and new forms of devices and apps continue to develop, we may expend
significant resources in research and development and strategic investments and acquisitions in order to remain competitive.
If our content ecosystem fails to continually offer quality content in a cost effective manner, we may experience declines in user traffic and user
engagement, our business and results of operations may be harmed.
Our content ecosystem consists of products developed for our partners, such as Baijiahao, Smart Mini Program, Managed Page and Union
network, and internally developed content and services products, such as Baidu Knows, Baidu Wiki, Baidu Healthcare Wiki, Baidu Wenku, Baidu
Scholar, Baidu Experience, Baidu Post, Haokan, Quanmin, iQIYI. The success of our content ecosystem depends on our ability to attract content
creators and producers to contribute quality content to our platform by leveraging our user traffic and enhance user engagement through the provision of
attractive content, so as to create a virtuous cycle. We have relied, and will continue to rely, on third parties for the majority of the content offered in our
content ecosystem and some of our products include third party intellectual property. As the competition for quality content becomes increasingly
intense in China, we cannot assure you that we will be able to manage our content acquisition costs effectively and generate sufficient revenues to
outpace future increase in content spending. We may also be unable to renew some of our content or intellectual property licensing agreements upon
their expiration or termination and any renewal of the content or intellectual property licensing agreements may involve higher costs or less favorable
terms. If we are not able to license popular premium content on commercially reasonable terms or renew our content or intellectual property licensing
agreements, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. We have undertaken significant commitments of
future minimum payments under non-cancellable agreements for produced content and licensed copyrights. If the content does not achieve anticipated
popularity and commercial success, such commitments may not be recoverable. In addition, we rely on users to contribute content to our various
products, including Baijiahao, Baidu Knows, Baidu Wiki, Baidu Healthcare Wiki, Baidu Experience, Baidu Post, Haokan, Quanmin, and iQIYI’s user
generated content. If these parties fail to develop and maintain high-quality and engaging content, if our desired premium content becomes exclusive to
our competitors, if we are unable to continue to grow our content offerings and stay competitive vis-à-vis other content platforms, or if a large number of
our existing relationships are terminated, the attractiveness of our content offerings to users may be severely impaired. If we are unable to offer content
that meets users’ tastes and preferences on a continuing basis, including continuously upgrading our content recommendation engines and in a cost
effective manner, our user experience may deteriorate, we may suffer from reduced user traffic, our business and results of operations may be harmed.
We have been and may again be subject to legal proceedings, claims and investigations in the ordinary course of business and could be adversely
impacted by unfavorable results of legal proceedings and investigations.
We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and government investigations, penalties or actions that have arisen in the ordinary course of
business and have not yet been fully resolved, and new legal proceedings, claims, regulatory investigations, penalties or actions may arise in the future.
In addition, agreements entered into by us sometimes include indemnification provisions which may subject us to costs and damages in the event of a
claim against an indemnified third party. The existence of litigation, claims, governmental investigations and proceedings may harm our reputation,
business and adversely affect the trading price of our securities. In 2020, our subsidiary iQIYI was subject to SEC investigation after the publication of a
short seller report by Wolfpack Research making certain allegations against iQIYI (the “Wolfpack Report”). In sum and substance, the Wolfpack Report
alleges that iQIYI inflated its user numbers, inflated its revenue and deferred revenue in connection with certain parts of iQIYI’s business, inflated its
expenses and the purchase prices of certain assets to conceal revenue inflation, and provided misleading financial statements of cash flows by adopting
an incorrect
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accounting method. Following the publication of the Wolfpack Report, the SEC requested iQIYI to produce certain financial, operating, and other
documents and records primarily relate to the allegations in the Wolfpack Report. iQIYI has voluntarily and publicly disclosed the SEC’s request for
information, and, through its legal counsel, it has been providing the SEC with requested documents and information. We are unable to predict the
timing, outcome, or consequences of the SEC investigation of iQIYI, or from the SEC’s review of the documents and records requested from iQIYI. In
the same year, iQIYI and certain of its current and former directors and officers were named as defendants in several federal punitive securities
litigations. Also in 2020, we and certain of our current and former officers were named as defendants in three federal putative securities class actions,
two of which are in regard to certain of the key allegations contained in the Wolfpack Report. In 2021, we and certain of our former officers were named
as defendants in a separate federal putative securities class action alleging that our subsidiary, iQIYI, made false and misleading statements in its public
disclosure documents in violation of federal securities laws. In the event that a court finds that iQIYI, Baidu and/or other defendants violated any of the
applicable securities laws, or in the event that iQIYI, Baidu and/ or other defendants choose to reach a settlement with plaintiffs, iQIYI and/or Baidu
may be liable for civil monetary damages and the potential financial, operational and reputational impact on iQIYI and/or Baidu may be material.
However, we cannot predict the timing, outcome or consequences of these class actions, and there is no basis to conclude at this point whether such
actions will be successful or whether the Company will be subject to any damages, let alone how much. For more details, see “Item 8.A. Financial
Information—Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.” Regardless of the merit of particular claims, legal
proceedings, government investigations and proceedings may result in reputational harm, be expensive to respond, time consuming, disruptive to our
operations and distracting to management. In the event we or iQIYI does not prevail or we or iQIYI enters into settlement arrangements in any of these
proceedings or investigations, we or iQIYI may incur significant expenses which may materially adversely affect our results of operations.
The outcome of legal proceedings and investigations is inherently uncertain. If one or more legal matters were resolved against us or an
indemnified third party in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, our financial condition and operating results for that
reporting period could be materially adversely affected. Further, such an outcome could result in significant compensatory, punitive or trebled monetary
damages, disgorgement of revenue or profits, remedial corporate measures or injunctive relief against us that could materially adversely affect our
financial condition and operating results.
In addition to the content developed and posted on our platform by ourselves, our users may post information on Baidu Post, Baidu Knows, Baidu
Wiki, Baidu Wenku and other sections of our platform, our content providers may provide content through Baijiahao platform and our P4P customers
may create text-based descriptions, image descriptions and other phrases to be used as text, images or keywords in our search listings, and users can also
use our personal cloud computing service to upload, store and share documents, images, audio and videos on our cloud servers. We have been and may
continue to be subject to claims and investigations for intellectual property ownership and infringement, defamation, negligence or other legal theories
based on the content found on our platform, the results in our paid search listings or our other products and services, which, with or without merit, may
result in diversion of management attention and financial resources and negative publicity for our brand and reputation. In November 2018, an
individual, together with his related company, filed a complaint alleging acts of defamation and libel, commercial disparagement, tortious inference with
prospective business relations, intentional infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy against, among others, us and Robin Yanhong Li in his
capacity as our chairman and chief executive officer in the Supreme Court of New York. The complaint alleged, among other things, that the defendants
published articles containing false and defamatory statements concerning the plaintiffs, and sought damages in an aggregate amount of US$11 billion,
including purported punitive damages of US$10 billion. The defendants moved the complaint to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New
York and filed motions to dismiss the complaint. The plaintiff voluntarily dismissed that complaint, and then added us and Mr. Li as defendants to an
amended complaint in a separate lawsuit involving substantially similar claims against numerous other parties, that was then-pending in the Supreme
Court of New York, or the Second State Court Lawsuit. We filed motions to dismiss that complaint, which were not opposed. The plaintiff filed a notice
of voluntary discontinuance of the complaint in the Second
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State Court Lawsuit, and subsequently filed a nearly identical complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. In January 2020,
the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York dismissed that complaint in its entirety with prejudice, and the time for plaintiff to appeal
that dismissal has expired. In February 2020, the Supreme Court of New York granted defendants’ motions to discontinue the Second State Court
Lawsuit with prejudice. No appeal of that order has been filed as of the date of this disclosure. We believe these claims to be without merit and intend to
continue to defend ourselves vigorously. See “Item 8.A. Financial Information—Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal
Proceedings.” Furthermore, if the content posted on our platform or found, stored or shared through our other products and services contains information
that government authorities find objectionable, our platform or relevant products or services may be shut down and we may be subject to other penalties.
See “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We may be subject to liability for information displayed on or linked to our websites, mobile apps,
Smart Mini Program or Managed Page and negative publicity in international media and our business may be adversely affected as a result.”
We have been, and may again in the future be, subject to claims, investigations or negative publicity based on the results in our paid search
listings. Claims have been filed against us after we allowed certain customers to register keywords containing trademarks, trade names or brand names
owned by others and displayed links to such customers’ websites in our paid search listings. While we maintain a database of certain well-known
trademarks and continually update our system algorithms and functions to guard against customers keywords containing the well-known trademarks that
are owned by others, it is not possible for us to completely prevent our customers from bidding on keywords that contain trademarks, trade names or
brand names owned by others. There has been negative publicity about fraudulent information in our paid search listings. Although we have been
continually enhancing our technology, control and oversight to prevent fraudulent websites, web pages and information from appearing in our paid
search listings, there is no guarantee that the measures we have taken are effective at all times. Claims, investigations and negative publicity based on
the results in our paid search listings, regardless of their merit, may divert management attention, severely disrupt our operations, adversely affect our
results of operations and harm our reputation.
If we fail to keep up with rapid changes in technologies and user behavior, our future success may be adversely affected.
Our future success will depend on our ability to respond to rapidly changing technologies, adapt our products and services to evolving industry
standards and improve the performance and reliability of our products and services. Our failure to adapt to such changes could harm our business. In
addition, changes in user behavior resulting from technological developments may also adversely affect us. For example, the number of people
accessing the internet through mobile devices and internet of things, or IoTs, such as smartphones, tablets and smart (voice-activated internet) home
devices, has increased in recent years, and we expect this trend to continue while 5G and more advanced mobile communications technologies are
broadly implemented. If we fail to develop products and technologies that are compatible with all mobile devices, IoTs and operating systems, or if the
products and services we develop are not widely accepted and used by users of various mobile devices and IoTs, our position in the mobile internet and
AI sectors may be adversely affected. In addition, the widespread adoption of new internet, networking or telecommunications technologies or other
technological changes could require substantial expenditures to modify or integrate our products, services or infrastructure. If we fail to keep up with
rapid technological changes to remain competitive, or consequently fail to retain users with products and services of exceptional quality, our future
success may be materially and adversely affected.
Our increasing focus on cloud-based services presents execution, competitive and compliance risks; Baidu Core’s revenue growth may be materially
adversely affected by our ability to develop cloud-based services and generate sufficient usage of such services.
A growing part of our business involves cloud-based services available across a spectrum of computing devices. Our Baidu Core’s cloud services
revenue was RMB9.2 billion (US$1.4 billion) in 2020, increasing by
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44% from 2019. We are devoting significant resources to provide AI solutions, cloud infrastructure, and other services to enterprises and individuals. At
the same time, our competitors are rapidly developing and deploying their cloud-based solutions and services. Pricing and delivery models are evolving.
Devices and form factors influence how users access services in the cloud and sometimes the user’s choice of which suite of cloud-based services to use.
Our success in cloud-based services strategy will depend on the level of adoption of our products and services. We may not establish market share
sufficient to achieve scale necessary to achieve our business objectives or recoup costs incurred to build and maintain infrastructure to support our
cloud-based services. It is uncertain whether our strategies will attract the users or generate the revenue required to succeed. If we fail to generate
sufficient usage of our new products and services, we may not grow revenue in line with the costs associated with infrastructure development and
research and development investments. This may negatively and materially impact our results of operations and financial performance.
The development of cloud-based services is accompanied by regulatory compliance risks. For example, regulatory authorities in China are
increasing enforcement efforts against non-compliance relating to companies operating content delivery networks, internet data centers, and internet
service providers. However, the interpretation and application of relevant laws in China and elsewhere are often uncertain and in flux, and any failure or
perceived failure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations may result in legal proceedings or regulatory actions against us, and could have a
material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In the past, our peers have experienced data security and infrastructure stability issues arising out of their cloud services. Our cloud services may
also encounter similar issues, which could have a material and adverse impact on our brand, operations and financial performance.
Potential issues in the adoption and use of artificial intelligence in our product offerings may result in reputational harm or liability.
We are building AI into many of our product offerings and we expect this element of our business to be a driver for our future growth. We
envision a future in which AI operates in our services and applications, such as search-plus-feed, cloud services and solutions, intelligent driving
services and solutions and Xiaodu smart devices and services, and the cloud helps our customers become more productive. As with many disruptive
innovations, AI presents risks and challenges that could affect its adoption, and, therefore, our business. Our products and services based on AI may not
be adopted by our users or customers. AI algorithms may be flawed. Datasets may be insufficient or contain biased information. Inappropriate or
controversial data practices by us or others could impair the acceptance of our AI solutions. These deficiencies could undermine the decisions,
predictions, or analysis AI applications produce, subjecting us to legal liability, and brand or reputational harm. In addition, some AI scenarios present
ethical issues. If we enable or offer AI solutions that are controversial because of their impact on human rights, privacy, employment, or other social
issues, we may experience reputational harm or be exposed to liability.
We may face challenges in connection with developing, manufacturing and marketing new Xiaodu smart products in response to changing customer
requirements, new technologies and market competition.
The market for our Xiaodu smart products is characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, short product life cycles,
frequent new product introductions, continual improvement in product price and performance characteristics, and price and feature sensitivity on the
part of consumers and businesses. As a result, we must continually introduce new products and technologies and enhance existing products in order to
remain competitive.
The success of our Xiaodu smart products depends on several factors, including our ability to:
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anticipate technology and market trends;
develop innovative new products and enhancements on a timely basis;
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distinguish our products from those of our competitors;
manufacture and deliver high-quality products in sufficient volumes at competitive cost structure;
establish strong, efficient online and offline distribution channels;
price our products competitively;
develop a vibrant DuerOS skills store and a large developer community to increase user stickiness and loyalty; and
innovate post-hardware sales monetization models.
If we are unable to develop, manufacture, market and introduce enhanced or new Xiaodu smart products in a timely manner in response to
changing market conditions or customer requirements, including changing fashion trends and styles, it will materially adversely affect our business,
revenue growth, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, as we develop new generations of products more quickly, we expect that the
pace of product obsolescence will increase concurrently. The disposition of inventories of excess or obsolete products may result in reductions to our
operating margins and materially and adversely affect our earnings and results of operations.
The success of our Xiaodu smart products depends on the continued growth of the smart device market, our ability to establish and maintain the
brand, market share, and competition from other companies, as well as our ability to monetize through services after the initial hardware sale.
We have invested significant resources in the “Xiaodu” brand and the research and development of Xiaodu smart products. If the smart device
market does not continue to grow or grow in unpredictable ways, or we fail to maintain and further promote the “Xiaodu” brand, our revenue may fall
short of expectations and our operating results may be harmed. Also, we have previously offered, but have recently strategically ceased to offer, sales
discounts on Xiaodu smart products. Offering such discounts, which has resulted in a loss on smart device hardware sales, has negatively affected, and
will continue to negatively affect, our financial performance in the long term. We cannot assure you that our decision to offer or cease to offer such sales
discounts is producing, or will produce, positive outcomes for our results of operations. The market for smart devices may not continue to grow; even if
it does, we may not be successful in developing and selling devices that appeal to consumers or gain sufficient market acceptance, which typically takes
longer in the smart device market. To succeed in this market, we will need to design, produce and sell innovative and compelling products and partner
with other businesses that enable us to capitalize on new technologies, some of which have developed or may develop and sell smart devices of their
own. We are currently exploring different business models with Xiaodu smart devices, and exploring different monetization model through services after
hardware sales, such as membership, advertising and revenue sharing from distribution of third-party skills. Whether we will be able to achieve
profitability in smart devices depends in part on our ability to generate revenue through services after the initial hardware sale at a level sufficient to
cover associated operating expenses, but there can be no assurance that we will succeed in formulating and implementing the appropriate business and
monetization model. Moreover, competition from other companies that seek to provide smart devices will adversely affect our profitability.
We face a number of manufacturing, supply chain, distribution channel and inventory risks as well as product quality and financing risks that, if
not properly managed, could harm our financial condition, operating results, and prospects.
We rely on third parties to manufacture our Xiaodu smart products, to design certain of our components and parts, and to participate in the
distribution of our products. Our business could be negatively affected if we are not able to engage these companies with the necessary capabilities or
capacity on reasonable terms, or if those we engage fail to meet their obligations (whether due to financial difficulties or other reasons), or make adverse
changes in the pricing or other material terms of our arrangements with them.
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We may experience supply shortages and price increases driven by a variety of factors, such as raw material availability, manufacturing capacity,
labor shortages, tariffs, trade disputes and barriers, natural disasters, and significant changes in the financial or business condition of our suppliers. We
may experience shortages or other supply chain disruptions that could negatively affect our operations. In addition, some of the components we use in
our Xiaodu smart products are available only from a single source or limited sources, and we may not be able to find replacement vendors on favorable
terms in the event of a supply chain disruption.
Our Xiaodu smart products may have quality issues resulting from design, manufacturing, or operations. Sometimes, these issues may be caused
by components we purchase from other manufacturers or suppliers. If the quality of our Xiaodu smart products does not meet expectations or are
defective, it could harm our reputation, financial condition, and operating results.
We are exposed to significant inventory risks that may adversely affect our operating results as a result of seasonality, new product launches, rapid
changes in product cycles and pricing, defective merchandise, changes in consumer demand and consumer spending patterns, and other factors. We
endeavor to accurately predict these trends and avoid overstocking or understocking issues. Demand for our Xiaodu smart products, however, can
change significantly between the time inventory or components are ordered and the date of sale. We may misjudge customer demand, resulting in
inventory buildup and possible significant inventory write-down. It may also make it more difficult for us to inspect and control quality and ensure
proper handling, storage and delivery. We may experience higher return rates on new products, receive more customer complaints about them and face
costly product liability claims as a result of selling them, which would harm our brand and reputation as well as our financial performance.
Our Smart Living Group (SLG), which runs the DuerOS and Xiaodu operations, completed its first round of funding in 2020, and has historically
experienced an operating loss. If SLG is unable to satisfy its cashflow needs by generating sufficient cash from its operations in the near future, it may
need to rely on subsequent round(s) of financing. If SLG’s operating cashflow does not improve and if SLG fails to conduct financing on reasonable
terms, it may not be able to continue its business operations, which may adversely impact our results of operations and financial performance.
Our now-divested financial services business may subject us to operational and reputational risks, which may have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have provided financial services in China in recent years. In August 2018, we completed the divestiture of a majority equity stake in our
financial services business unit, which has been rebranded as Du Xiaoman Financial, or Du Xiaoman. After the divestiture, we hold a non-controlling
equity interest in Du Xiaoman and have since then deconsolidated the financial results of Du Xiaoman from our consolidated financial statements in
accordance with U.S. GAAP. The financial services provided by the now-divested Du Xiaoman mainly include consumer credit, wealth management,
financial technology services and payment support, through which Du Xiaoman mainly offers technology solutions to financial institution partners
covering loan facilitation and risk management aspects and consumer financing to individual customers to meet their cash expenditure needs or business
operation requirements. We are still the largest shareholder of Du Xiaoman and would be exposed to losses from Du Xiaoman.
PRC laws and regulations concerning the internet finance industry, particularly those governing wealth management and credit lending, are
evolving. Although to our knowledge Du Xiaoman has taken careful measures to comply with the laws and regulations that are applicable to its financial
services, the PRC government authorities may promulgate new policies, rules and regulations regulating the internet finance industry. For example, the
Supreme Court of the PRC has issued a judicial interpretation in August 2020 which has capped the interest rate of loan contract at four times the
one-year Loan Prime Rate then effective when such loan contract is executed. As we hold a non-controlling equity interest in Du Xiaoman and do not
control Du Xiaoman’s business conduct and operations, we cannot assure you that the practices of Du Xiaoman would not be deemed to violate any
PRC laws or
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regulations, nor can we ensure that all business cooperators on Du Xiaoman’s platform meet all the regulatory compliance requirements. If Du Xiaoman
were deemed to violate any current or future applicable PRC laws or regulations, such as the exposure draft of the Interim Measures for the
Administration of Internet Small Loan Business recently released, we may be exposed to negative publicity as a result of the potential misconception
that Du Xiaoman is still part of our consolidated group. For example, on December 15, 2020, officials from PBOC publicly named deposit products
provided by internet financial platforms as illegal and should be subject to regulatory supervision. Many internet financial platforms, including Du
Xiaoman, has removed deposit products from their platforms. Events like this may expose us to negative publicity as well.
Interruption or failure of our own information technology and communications systems or those of third-party service providers we rely upon could
impair our ability to provide products and services, which could damage our reputation and harm our results of operations.
Our ability to provide products and services depends on the continuing operation of our information technology and communications systems.
Any damage to or failure of our systems could interrupt our services. Service interruptions could reduce our revenue and profit and damage our brand if
our systems are perceived to be unreliable. Our systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption as a result of terrorist attacks, wars, earthquakes,
floods, fires, power loss, telecommunications failures, health epidemics, undetected errors or “bugs” in our software, computer viruses, interruptions in
access to our platform through the use of “denial of service” or similar attacks, hacking or other attempts to harm our systems, and similar events. Some
of our systems are not fully redundant, and our disaster recovery planning does not account for all possible scenarios. In November 2018, multiple
services including Baidu Search, Baidu Feed, Baidu Wiki, Baidu Post and Baidu Knows were inaccessible to users for seventy-three minutes due to a
system failure. Such service disruptions adversely affected our user experience.
Our servers, which are hosted at third-party or our own internet data centers, are vulnerable to break-ins, sabotage and vandalism. The occurrence
of natural disasters or closure of an internet data center by a third-party provider without adequate notice could result in lengthy service interruptions. In
addition, our domain names are resolved into internet protocol (IP) addresses by systems of third-party domain name registrars and registries. Any
interruptions or failures of those service providers’ systems, which are beyond our control, could significantly disrupt our own services. If we experience
frequent or persistent system failures on our platform, whether due to interruptions and failures of our own information technology and communications
systems or those of third-party service providers that we rely upon, our reputation and brand could be severely harmed. The steps we take to increase the
reliability and redundancy of our systems may cause us to incur heavy costs and reduce our operating margin, and may not be successful in reducing the
frequency or duration of service interruptions.
We may not be able to manage our expanding operations effectively.
We expect to continue to expand our operations as we grow our user and customer base and explore new opportunities. To manage the further
expansion of our business and growth of our operations and personnel, we need to continually improve our operational and financial systems,
procedures and controls, and expand, train, manage and maintain good relations with our growing employee base. We have experienced labor disputes in
the past. Although these disputes were resolved promptly, we cannot assure you that there will not be any new labor disputes in the future.
We expect our AI-enabled business to become a key revenue driver of Baidu Core, and believe our future growth relies on the success of our
AI-enabled business. Our systems and processes were designed in the past to support our mobile ecosystem business operations. For our AI-enabled
business operations to be successful, we must be able to attract industry expertise and talents, and adapt to systems and processes suitable for the
enterprise and public sector business environment. If we are unable to do so, we may not be competitive in these markets and our AI-enabled business
offerings will not be successful. In addition, we must maintain and expand
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our relationships with other websites, internet companies and other third parties. Our current and future personnel, systems, procedures and controls may
not be adequate to support our expanding operations, and consequently our financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely
affected.
We may face intellectual property infringement claims and other related claims, which could be time-consuming and costly to defend and may result
in an adverse impact over our operations.
Internet, technology and media companies are frequently involved in litigation based on allegations of infringement of intellectual property rights,
unfair competition, invasion of privacy, defamation and other violations of other parties’ rights. The validity, enforceability and scope of protection of
intellectual property in internet-related and AI-related industries, particularly in China, are uncertain and still evolving. As we face increasing
competition and as litigation becomes more common in China in resolving commercial disputes, we face a higher risk of being the subject of intellectual
property infringement claims. We may be subject to administrative actions brought by relevant PRC competent governmental authorities such as the
PRC State Copyright Bureau and in the most severe scenario criminal prosecution for alleged copyright infringement, and as a result may be subject to
fines and other penalties and be required to discontinue infringing activities. Furthermore, as we expand our operations outside of China, we may be
subject to claims brought against us in jurisdictions outside of China.
Our search products and services link to materials in which third parties may claim ownership of trademarks, copyrights or other rights. As we
adopt new technologies and roll out new products and services, we face the risk of being subject to intellectual property infringement claims that may
arise from our use of new technologies and provision of new products and services. Our products and services including those based on content storage
and sharing, such as Baidu Knows, Baidu Wiki, Baidu Wenku, Baidu Post, Baidu Drive, Baijiahao, Haokan, Quanmin, and iQIYI’s user-generated
content, allow our users to upload, store and share documents, images, audio and videos on our servers, or share, link to or otherwise provide access to
contents from other websites, and we also operate distribution platforms whereby developers can upload, share and sell their apps or games to users.
Although we have made commercially reasonable efforts to request users or developers to comply with applicable intellectual property laws, we cannot
ensure that all of our users or developers have the rights to upload or share these contents or apps. In addition, we have been and may continue to be
subject to copyright or trademark infringement and other related claims from time to time, in China and internationally.
We have been making continuous efforts to keep ourselves informed of and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations affecting our
business. However, PRC laws and regulations are evolving, and uncertainties still exist with respect to the legal standards as well as the judicial
interpretation of the standards for determining liabilities of internet search and other internet service providers for providing links to content on third-
party websites that infringe upon others’ copyrights or hosting such content, or providing information storage space, file sharing technology or other
internet services that are used by internet users to disseminate such content. The Supreme People’s Court of China promulgated a judicial interpretation
on infringement of the right of dissemination through internet in December 2012, which was further amended on December 29, 2020 and came into
effect on January 1, 2021. This judicial interpretation, like certain court rulings and certain other judicial interpretations, provide that the courts will
place the burden on internet service providers to remove not only links or contents that have been specifically mentioned in the notices of infringement
from right holders, but also links or contents they “should have known” to contain infringing content. The interpretation further provides that where an
internet service provider has directly obtained economic benefits from any content made available by an internet user, it has a higher duty of care with
respect to internet users’ infringement of third-party copyrights. A guidance on the trial of audio/video sharing copyright disputes promulgated by the
Higher People’s Court of Beijing in December 2012 provides that where an internet service provider has directly obtained economic benefits from any
audio/video content made available by an internet user who has no authorization for sharing such content, the internet service provider shall be
presumed to be at fault. The Civil Code of the PRC, or the Civil Code, promulgated in 2020 has further elaborated the circumstances where internet
service providers may
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be found liable for the infringement of third parties. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on
Tort Liability”. The Copyright Law which will become effective in June 2021 further provides that the competent copyright authority may require
compliance from the relevant parties in the process of investigating the infringing activities.
These interpretations could subject us and other internet service providers to significant administrative burdens and litigation risks.
We conduct our business operations primarily in China. There might be claims that we are subject to U.S. copyright laws, including the legal
standards for determining indirect liability for copyright infringement, although we believe such claims are without merit. We cannot assure you that we
will not be subject to copyright infringement lawsuits or other proceedings in the U.S. or elsewhere in the future.
Intellectual property litigation is expensive, time-consuming and could divert resources and management attention from the operations of our
business. We are currently named as defendant in certain copyright infringement suits in connection with Baidu Feed, P4P, Baidu Post, Baidu Search,
iQIYI, Baidu Wenku, Baidu Drive, Baijiahao, Haokan and certain other products or services. See “Item 8.A. Financial Information—Consolidated
Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.” There is no guarantee that the courts will accept our defenses and rule in our favor. If
there is a successful claim of infringement, we may be required to discontinue the infringing activities, pay substantial fines and damages and/or enter
into royalty or license agreements that may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. Our failure to obtain a license of the rights on a
timely basis could harm our business. Any intellectual property litigation by third parties and/or negative publicity alleging our intellectual property
infringement could have an adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition or results of operations. To address the risks relating to
intellectual property infringement, we may have to substantially modify, limit or terminate some of our search services. Any such change could
materially affect user experience and in turn have an adverse impact on our business.
Liability claims against, or any unauthorized control or manipulation of our autonomous driving systems, could result in the loss of confidence in
us, our brands and our products, and harm our business.
Our Intelligent Driving platform, contains complex information technology systems. We have designed, implemented and tested security measures
intended to prevent unauthorized access to our Intelligent Driving platform, but there can be no assurance that vulnerabilities will not be identified in the
future, or that our remediation efforts are or will be successful. Hackers have reportedly attempted, and may attempt in the future, to gain unauthorized
access to modify, alter and use our Intelligent Driving platform to gain control of, or to change, functionality, user interface and performance
characteristics of vehicles utilizing our Intelligent Driving platform, or to gain access to data stored in or generated by the vehicles. Any unauthorized
access to or control of autonomous driving vehicles or their systems or any loss of data could result in death and personal injury, and legal claims or
proceedings against us.
Our Intelligent Driving platform may be involved in crashes resulting in property damage, death or personal injury in the future, and such crashes
may be the subject of significant public attention. We may face claims related to any misuse or failure of new technologies that we are pioneering,
including our Intelligent Driving platform and related solutions, such as smart transportation. A successful product liability claim against us could
require us to pay substantial monetary damages.
Moreover, product liability claims or reports of unauthorized access to our Intelligent Driving platform or data, regardless of their veracity, could
generate substantial negative publicity about our products and business and could have material adverse impact on our brand, business, prospects and
operating results.
Our strategy of investments and acquiring complementary businesses and assets may fail.
As part of our business strategy, we have pursued, and intend to continue to pursue, selective strategic investments and acquisitions of businesses
and assets that complement our existing business and help us execute
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our growth strategies. For example, we invested in Trip.com Group Limited (Trip.com) (formerly known as Ctrip). In November 2020, we entered into
definitive agreements with JOYY Inc. and certain of its affiliates to acquire its domestic video-based entertainment live streaming business in China, or
YY Live, which includes YY mobile app, YY.com website and PC YY, among others. For more details, see “—We face risks associated with our
acquisition of YY Live and its online live streaming business.”
We intend to make other strategic investments and acquisitions in the future if suitable opportunities arise. Investments and acquisitions involve
uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to:
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potential ongoing financial obligations and unforeseen or hidden liabilities, including liability for infringement of third-party copyrights or
other intellectual property;
failure to achieve the intended objectives, benefits or revenue-enhancing opportunities,
non-occurrence of anticipated or speculative transactions and any resulting negative impact;
costs and difficulties of integrating acquired businesses and managing a larger business;
in the case of investments where we do not obtain management and operational control, lack of influence over the controlling partner or
shareholder, which may prevent us from achieving our strategic goals in the investments;
possible unsatisfactory operational or financial performance, including financial loss, or fraudulent activities of a target business;
possible loss of key employees of a target business;
potential claims or litigation regarding our board’s exercise of its duty of care and other duties required under applicable law in connection
with any of our significant acquisitions or investments approved by the board;
diversion of resources and management attention;
regulatory hurdles and compliance risks, including the anti-monopoly and competition laws, rules and regulations of China and other
jurisdictions and the enhanced compliance requirement for outbound acquisitions and investment under the laws and regulations of China;
and
in the case of acquisitions of businesses or assets outside of China, the need to integrate operations across different business cultures and
languages and to address the particular economic, currency, political, and regulatory risks associated with specific countries.
Any failure to address these risks successfully may have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Investments and acquisitions may require a significant amount of capital, which would decrease the amount of cash available for working capital or
capital expenditures. In addition, if we use our equity securities to pay for investments and acquisitions, we may dilute the value of our listed securities
and the ordinary shares underlying our ADSs. If we borrow funds to finance investments and acquisitions, such debt instruments may contain restrictive
covenants that could, among other things, restrict us from distributing dividends. Moreover, acquisitions may also generate significant amortization
expenses related to intangible assets. We are required to test our intangible assets and goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or
changes in circumstances indicate that they may be impaired. We may also incur impairment charges to earnings for investments and acquired
businesses and assets.
There can be no assurance that the acquired YY Live will bring the anticipated strategic benefits to us. We have relatively limited experience with
operating the online live streaming business and we may not be able to successfully integrate YY Live into our existing business. We face uncertainties
and challenges in navigating the complex regulatory environment, competing effectively in attracting and retaining users and hosts, and developing
and/or upgrading products and services as well as technologies to meet everchanging user needs.
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We would be subject to and may not be able to successfully manage a variety of additional risks associated with the online streaming business.
These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
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the online live streaming business is based on a relatively new business model in a relatively new market in which user demand may
change or decrease substantially;
rules and measures governing online live streaming businesses and hosts are complex and evolving, and we may not be able to navigate
such complex regulatory environment;
we may face significant risks related to the content and communications on YY Live, as a majority of the communications on YY Live are
conducted in real time, and we are unable to verify the sources of all information posted thereon or examine the content generated by users
before it is posted;
the revenue model for online live streaming may not remain effective, and we may not be able to retain existing users, attract new users,
keep users engaged and attract more paying users; and
we may not be able to retain or attract popular talents such as performers, channel managers, professional game players, commentators and
hosts for our live streaming platform or these talents may fail to draw fans or participants.
Our business is subject to complex and evolving Chinese and international laws and regulations regarding privacy and data protection. Many of
these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in claims, changes to our business practices,
increased cost of operations, or declines in user growth or engagement, or otherwise harm our business.
We are required by privacy and data protection laws in China and other jurisdictions, including, without limitation, the PRC Cyber Security Law,
to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the information of our users, customers, third-party agents, content providers and Baidu Union
partners, which is also essential to maintaining their confidence in our online products and services. However, the interpretation and application of such
laws in China and elsewhere are often uncertain and in flux.
In December 2012, the Standing Committee of the PRC National People’s Congress promulgated the Decision on Strengthening Network
Information Protection, or the Network Information Protection Decision, to enhance the legal protection of information security and privacy on the
internet. The Network Information Protection Decision also requires internet operators to take measures to ensure confidentiality of information of
users. In July 2013, the MIIT promulgated the Provisions on Protection of Personal Information of Telecommunication and Internet Users to regulate the
collection and use of users’ personal information in the provision of telecommunication service and internet information service in China. In August
2015, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Ninth Amendment to the Criminal Law, which became effective in
November 2015 and amended the standards of crime of infringing citizens’ personal information and reinforced the criminal culpability of unlawful
collection, transaction, and provision of personal information. It further provides that any ICP provider that fails to fulfill the obligations related to
internet information security administration as required by applicable laws and refuses to rectify upon orders will be subject to criminal liability. In
November 2016, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the PRC Cyber Security Law, which requires, among others,
that network operators take security measures to protect the network from unauthorized interference, damage and unauthorized access and prevent data
from being divulged, stolen or tampered with. Network operators are also required to collect and use personal information in compliance with the
principles of legitimacy, properness and necessity, and strictly within the scope of authorization by the subject of personal information unless otherwise
prescribed by laws or regulations. Significant capital, managerial and human resources are required to comply with legal requirements, enhance
information security and to address any issues caused by security failures. The Civil Code promulgated in 2020 also provides specific provisions
regarding the protection of personal information. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on
Internet Privacy”
The PRC Cyber Security Law and the Civil Code are relatively new and subject to interpretation by the regulators. Although we only gain access
to user information that is necessary for, and relevant to, the services
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provided, the data we obtain and use may include information that is deemed as “personal information” under the PRC Cyber Security Law, the Civil
Code and related data privacy and protection laws and regulations. As such, we have adopted a series of measures to ensure that we comply with
relevant laws and regulations in the collection, use, disclosure, sharing, storage, and security of user information.
While we take all these measures to comply with all applicable data privacy and protection laws and regulations, we cannot guarantee the
effectiveness of the measures undertaken by us and business partners, and such measures may still be determined as insufficient, improper, or even as
user-privacy invasive, by the relevant authorities, which may result in penalties against us. The activities of third parties such as our customers and
business partners are beyond our control. If our business partners violate the PRC Cyber Security Law and other laws and regulations relating to the
protection of personal information, or fail to fully comply with the service agreements with us, or if any of our employees fail to comply with our
internal control measures and misuse the information, we may be subject to penalties and other legal liabilities. Any failure or perceived failure to
comply with all applicable data privacy and protection laws and regulations, or any failure or perceived failure of our business partners to do so, or any
failure or perceived failure of our employees to comply with our internal control measures, may result in negative publicity and legal proceedings or
regulatory actions against us, and could damage our reputation, discourage current and potential users and customers from using our products or services
and subject us to fines and damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The PRC laws and regulations concerning data protection are subject to changes and updates from time to time. For example, the Draft Personal
Information Protection Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in October 2020 sets forth more specific
requirements on and introduces notable changes to the current obligations of personal information protection under applicable PRC laws and
regulations. There are also a number of legislative proposals in the European Union and the United States, at both the federal and state level, as well as
other jurisdictions that could impose new obligations in areas affecting our business. New laws or regulations concerning data protection, or the
interpretation and application of existing consumer and data protection laws or regulations, which are often uncertain and in flux, may be inconsistent
with our practices. The introduction of new products or other actions that we may take may subject us to additional laws, regulations, or other
government scrutiny. Complying with new laws and regulations could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices
in a manner materially adverse to our business. For example, if privacy concerns or regulatory restrictions prevent us from selling demographically
targeted advertising, we may become less attractive to online advertising customers. In addition, some countries are considering or have passed
legislation implementing data protection requirements or requiring local storage and processing of data or similar requirements that could increase the
cost and complexity of delivering our services.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to prevent information security breaches or to comply with privacy policies or privacy-related legal
obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized use, release or transfer of personally identifiable information or other user
data, could cause our users to lose trust in us and could expose us to legal claims or penalties. Any perception by the public that privacy of user
information are becoming increasingly unsafe or vulnerable to attacks could inhibit the growth of our products and services generally. We expect that
these areas will be subject to greater public scrutiny and attention from regulators and more frequent and rigid investigation or review by regulators,
which will increase our compliance costs and subject us to heightened risks and challenges. We may have to spend much more personnel cost and time
evaluating and managing these risks and challenges in connection with our products and services in the ordinary course of our business operations, and
cooperated and will keep cooperating in the future with the competent regulators in these respects. If we are unable to manage these risks, we could
become subject to penalties, including fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, and our reputation and results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected.
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Our business may be adversely affected if we were found to have failed to fulfill the additional obligations under the online advertising rules.
Although the PRC Advertising Law has not specified “paid search results” as a form of advertising, the Interim Administration Measures of
Internet Advertising, or the Internet Advertising Measures, which was promulgated by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (currently
known as State Administration for Market Regulation, or the SAMR) and became effective on September 1, 2016, characterizes “paid search results” as
a form of internet advertising from the perspective of regulating the online advertising business. Pursuant to the Internet Advertising Measures, we are
subject to additional legal obligations to monitor our P4P customers’ listings on our website during the course of our provision of P4P services. For
example, we must examine, verify and record identity information of our P4P customers, such as the customer’s name, address and contact information,
and maintain an updated verification of such information on a regular basis. Moreover, we must examine supporting documentation provided by our P4P
customers. Where a special government review is required for specific categories of advertisements before posting, we must confirm that the review has
been performed and approval has been obtained. If the content of the advertisement is inconsistent with the supporting documentation, or the supporting
documentation is incomplete, the advertisement cannot be published. The Chinese government may, from time to time, promulgate new advertising laws
and regulations in the future to impose further requirements on online advertising services relating to medical, pharmaceutical, health care and other
similar businesses. We cannot assure that we will be in compliance with the requirements under these new laws and regulations. Failure to comply with
these obligations may subject us to fines and other administrative penalties. If advertisements shown on our platform are in violation of relevant PRC
advertising laws and regulations, or if the supporting documentation and government approvals provided to us by our P4P customers in connection with
the advertising content are not complete or accurate, we may be subject to legal liabilities and our reputation could be harmed. See “Item 4.B.
Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on Advertisements and Online Advertising.”
We may be subject to patent infringement claims with respect to our P4P platform.
Our technologies and business methods, including those relating to our P4P platform, may be subject to third-party claims or rights that limit or
prevent their use. We applied for a patent in China for our P4P platform, but our application was rejected on the ground that it is not patentable. Certain
U.S.-based companies, including Overture Services Inc., have been granted patents in the United States relating to P4P platforms and similar business
methods and related technologies. While we believe that we are not subject to U.S. patent laws since we conduct our business operations primarily in
China, we cannot assure you that U.S. patent laws would not be applicable to our business operations, or that holders of patents relating to a P4P
platform would not seek to enforce such patents against us in the United States or China.
Many parties are actively developing and seeking protection for internet-related technologies, including patent protection. They may hold patents
issued or pending that relate to certain aspects of our technologies, products, business methods or services. Any patent infringement claims, regardless
of their merits, could be time-consuming and costly to us. If we were sued for patent infringement claims with respect to our P4P platform and were
found to infringe upon the patents and were not able to adopt non-infringing technologies, we may be severely limited in our ability to operate our P4P
platform, which would have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and prospects.
Our business may be adversely affected by third-party software apps or practices that interfere with our receipt of information from, or provision of
information to, our users, which may impair our users’ experience.
Our business may be adversely affected by third-party malicious or unintentional software apps that make changes to our users’ computers and
interfere with our products and services. These software apps may change our users’ internet experience by hijacking queries to our platform, altering or
replacing our search results, or otherwise interfering with our ability to connect with our users. The interference often occurs without disclosure
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to or consent from users, resulting in a negative experience, which users may associate with our platform. These software apps may be difficult to
remove or disable, may reinstall themselves and may circumvent other apps’ efforts to block or remove them.
In addition, our business may be adversely affected by the practices of third-party website owners, content providers and developers which
interfere with our ability to crawl and index their web pages and contents including apps. The ability to provide a superior user experience is critical to
our success. If we are unable to successfully combat malicious third-party software apps that interfere with our products and services, our reputation
may be harmed. If a significant number of website owners, content providers and developers prevent us from indexing and including their high-quality
web pages and content including apps in our search results, or if we cannot effectively combat web spam from low-quality and irrelevant content
websites, the quality of our search results may be impaired, which may damage our reputation and deter our current and potential users from using our
products and services.
We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position.
We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as nondisclosure agreements and other methods to protect our
intellectual property rights. The protection of intellectual property rights in China may not be as effective as those in the United States or other countries.
The steps we have taken may be inadequate to prevent the misappropriation of our technology. Reverse engineering, unauthorized copying or other
misappropriation of our technologies could enable third parties to benefit from our technologies without paying us. Moreover, unauthorized use of our
technology could enable our competitors to offer products and services that compete with ours, which could harm our business and competitive position.
We have in the past resorted to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, and may have to do so from time to time in the future. There is no
guarantee that the competent courts will accept our claims and rule in our favor. Such litigation may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources
and management attention.
Our success depends on the continuing and collaborative efforts of our management team and other key personnel, and our business may be
disrupted if we lose their services and are not able to find their successors in a timely manner.
Our success depends heavily upon the continuing services of our management team, in particular our chairman and chief executive officer, Robin
Yanhong Li. If one or more of our executives or other key personnel are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions and we are not able to
find their successors in a timely manner, our business may be disrupted and our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Competition for management and key personnel is intense, the pool of qualified candidates is limited, and we may not be able to retain the services of
our executives or key personnel, or attract and retain experienced executives or key personnel in the future.
If any of our executives or other key personnel joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may not be able to successfully retain
customers, key agents, know-how and key personnel. Each of our executive officers and key employees has entered into an employment agreement with
us, containing confidentiality and non-competition provisions. If any disputes arise between any of our executives or key personnel and us, we cannot
assure you the extent to which any of these agreements may be enforced.
We rely on highly skilled personnel. If we are unable to retain or motivate them or hire additional qualified personnel, we may not be able to grow
effectively.
Our performance and future success depend on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. We will need to continue to identify, hire,
develop, motivate and retain highly skilled personnel for all areas of our organization and business operations. Competition for qualified employees in
the industries we operate in is
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intense. Our continued ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to attract new employees and to retain and motivate our existing employees.
As competitions in our industries intensify, it may be more difficult for us to hire, motivate and retain highly skilled personnel. In general, if we do not
succeed in attracting additional highly skilled personnel or retaining or motivating our existing personnel, we may be unable to grow effectively. In
certain emerging industry, such as autonomous driving, many players with sufficient funds would heavily devote their resources to compete for talents
with us. To keep our competitiveness and market position, we would need to, among others, recruit, train and retain our key talents and employees, in
particular research and development personnel. If we fail to do so, we may lag behind with respect to the ever-emerging and cutting-edge technologies
in the emerging industry, and our prospects in such industry would be ultimately harmed.
We are exposed to significant downward adjustments or impairments in the market values of our investments, which will be material to financial
statements.
As part of our business strategy, we have investments in both private and public companies. Fair values of these investments can be negatively
impacted by fluctuations in the share prices of public companies we own, the fair value of private companies we own, liquidity, credit deterioration or
losses, financial results, foreign exchange rates, changes in interest rates, or other factors. In addition, after adopting ASC Topic 321, Investments—
Equity Securities (“ASC 321”), on January 1, 2018, for investments previously accounted for using the cost method, we elected to use the measurement
alternative to measure these investments at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly
transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, if any. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair
value, and any changes in fair value are recognized in earnings, instead of through other comprehensive income if they were previously designated as
available for sale equity securities under legacy GAAP. The change of these equity securities’ fair value could result in significant fluctuation of our
financial condition and operating results.
For example, in 2019, the market value of Trip.com declined, and the continuing low market price of its ADSs caused us to recognize a non-cash
impairment loss of RMB8.9 billion in the third quarter of 2019. We have also recognized impairment charges on our long-term investments in 2020, due
to the impact of COVID-19 and other factors. We may still suffer significant impairment loss or downward adjustments of our investments in the future.
The carrying amounts of short-term investments and long-term investments as of December 31, 2020 were RMB126.4 billion (US$19.4 billion) and
RMB76.2 billion (US$11.7 billion), respectively. The value or liquidity of our investments could decline and result in a material impairment, which
could materially adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
We are subject to risks and uncertainties faced by companies in a rapidly evolving industry.
We operate in the rapidly evolving internet industry, which makes it difficult to predict our future results of operations. Accordingly, you should
consider our future prospects in light of the risks and uncertainties experienced by companies in evolving industries. Some of these risks and
uncertainties relate to our ability to:
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maintain our leading position in the Chinese-language internet search market;
offer attractive, useful and innovative products and services to attract and retain a larger user base;
procure content from studios and other content providers, as well as distribution channels and other licensors of content;
attract users’ continuing use of internet search services;
retain existing customers and attract additional customers and increase spending per customer;
evaluate the credit worthiness and collectability of accounts receivables from an evolving variety of customers, whose failure to pay us in a
timely manner may adversely affect our liquidity position;
retain members and attract new members of iQIYI’s membership services;
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upgrade our technology to support increased traffic and expanded product-and-service offerings;
further enhance our brand;
respond to competitive market conditions;
respond to evolving user preferences or industry changes;
respond to changes in the regulatory environment and manage legal risks, including those associated with intellectual property rights;
maintain effective control of our costs and expenses;
execute our strategic investments and acquisitions and post-acquisition integrations effectively;
attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel and maintain good relations with a young and growing work force; and
build profitable operations in new markets and other overseas internet markets we have entered into.
If we are unsuccessful in addressing any of these risks and uncertainties, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to obtain additional capital on reasonable terms when necessary.
As of December 31, 2020, we had an aggregate of RMB75.5 billion (US$11.6 billion) of outstanding indebtedness (including loans, convertible
senior notes and notes payable), which will mature between 2021 and 2030, which include RMB20.6 billion (US$3.2 billion) of outstanding
indebtedness of iQIYI. In February 2021, we entered into a non-binding term sheet for a term and revolving facility with a group of five mandated lead
arrangers, bookrunners and underwriters, pursuant to which we plan to borrow a total of US$3.0 billion. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” We may incur additional indebtedness in the future. Our current and future debt requires us to
dedicate a portion of our cash flow to service interest and principal payments and may limit our ability to engage in other transactions. Our ability to pay
interest and repay the principal for our indebtedness is dependent upon our ability to manage our business operations, generate sufficient cash flows,
raise additional capital and the other factors discussed in this section. There can be no assurance that we will be able to manage any of these risks
successfully.
Certain of our outstanding indebtedness include financial and other covenants. For example, certain of these covenants require iQIYI to maintain
minimum liquidity. If we fail to comply with these covenants and are unable to remedy or obtain a waiver or amendment, an event of default would
result. If an event of default were to occur, the lenders could, among other things, declare outstanding amounts due and payable. In addition, because
certain outstanding notes of Baidu, Inc. contain customary cross default and cross acceleration provisions, an event of default or declaration of
acceleration under a subsidiary’s outstanding loan could also result in an event of default under these notes of Baidu, Inc., which would permit the notes
holders to accelerate the repayment of the notes. If any of these notes is accelerated, we may be required to renegotiate, repay or refinance these
obligations and may not have sufficient funds available to repay it, and our liquidity and financial position would be materially and adversely affected.
We may require additional capital to support our business growth or to respond to business opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances.
Our ability to obtain additional capital, if and when required, will depend on our business plans, investor demand, our operating performance, the
condition of the capital markets, and other factors, and our indebtedness may limit our ability to borrow additional funds. We may have difficulty
incurring new debt on terms that we would consider to be commercially reasonable. In addition, we may also need to refinance a portion of our
outstanding debt as it matures. There is a risk that we may not be able to refinance existing debt or that the terms of any refinancing may not be as
favorable as the terms of our existing debt.
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iQIYI has significant working capital requirements, and our controlling interest in iQIYI may be diluted if iQIYI raises additional capital by issuing
and selling additional equity in the future.
iQIYI, our controlled subsidiary listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, has experienced working capital deficits. iQIYI had achieved a
working capital surplus as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019, but experienced a working capital deficit as of December 31, 2020. There is
no assurance that iQIYI will be able to improve its working capital position and achieve working capital surplus again, although iQIYI will take actions
to manage its working capital. iQIYI raised a concurrent equity and convertible bond offering in December 2020. There can be no assurance that iQIYI
will be able to raise additional equity or debt financing on terms that are acceptable to iQIYI in the future. Any failure to do so as and when necessary
could materially adversely affect iQIYI’s liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and ability to operate. In addition, when iQIYI obtains
additional financing by issuing and selling additional equity or equity-linked securities, such as convertible bonds, our interest in iQIYI will be diluted.
iQIYI operates in a capital intensive industry and requires a significant amount of cash to fund its operations, content acquisitions and technology
investments. If iQIYI cannot obtain sufficient capital, its business, financial condition and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
The operation of an internet video streaming platform requires significant and continuous investment in content and technology. Producing high-
quality original content is costly and time-consuming and it will typically take a long period of time to realize returns on investment, if at all. To date,
iQIYI has financed its operations primarily with net cash generated from operating activities, as well as financing activities such as placements of
preferred shares, convertible notes and asset-based securities, and the proceeds from its initial public offering. In order to implement its growth
strategies, iQIYI will incur additional capital in the future to cover, among others, costs to produce and license content. iQIYI may need to obtain
additional financing, including equity offering or debt financing, to fund the operation and expansion of business. iQIYI’s ability to obtain additional
financing in the future, however, is subject to a number of uncertainties, including those relating to:
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iQIYI’s business development, financial condition and results of operations;
general market conditions for financing activities by companies in iQIYI’s industry; and
macro-economic and other conditions in China and elsewhere.
As a public company with a growing business, iQIYI expects to increasingly rely on net cash provided by operating activities, financing through
capital markets and commercial banks for its liquidity needs. However, iQIYI cannot assure you that it will be successful in its efforts to further
diversify its sources of liquidity and obtain financing. In addition, certain financing may pose additional capital needs on iQIYI, for example, the
potential redemption by holders of iQIYI’s convertible notes. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital
Resources.” If iQIYI cannot obtain sufficient capital to meet its capital needs, iQIYI may not be able to execute its growth strategies and its business,
financial condition and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
Our results of operations may fluctuate, which makes our results difficult to predict and could cause our results to fall short of expectations.
Our results of operations may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. For these reasons, comparing our
results of operations on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future
performance. Our quarterly and annual revenues and costs and expenses as a percentage of our revenues may be significantly different from our
historical or projected figures. Our results of operations in future quarters may fall below expectations. Any of these events could cause the price of our
ADSs to fall. Any of the risk factors listed in this “Risk Factors”
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section, and in particular the following factors, could cause our results of operations to fluctuate from quarter to quarter:
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general economic conditions in China and economic conditions specific to the internet, internet search and feed, and online marketing
industries;
our ability to continue to attract users to our platform despite the emergence of mobile apps and other services;
our ability to attract additional customers and increase spending per customer;
the announcement or introduction of new or enhanced products and services by us or our competitors;
the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures related to the maintenance and expansion of our businesses, operations
and infrastructure;
the results of our acquisitions of, or investments in, other businesses or assets;
PRC regulations or government actions pertaining to activities on the internet, including various forms of entertainment, online payment
and activities otherwise affecting our online marketing customers, and those relating to the products and services we provide;
unforeseen events, such as negative publicity arising from widespread media coverage and other sources and labor disputes; and
geopolitical events, natural disasters or epidemics.
Because of the rapid growth of our business, our historical results of operations may not be useful to you in predicting our future results of
operations. Our user traffic tends to be seasonal. For example, we generally experience less user traffic during public holidays and other special event
periods in China. In addition, advertising and other marketing spending in China has historically been cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions as
well as budgeting and buying patterns. As we continue to grow, we expect that the cyclicality and seasonality in our business may cause our results of
operations to fluctuate.
A severe and prolonged downturn in the Chinese or global economy could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
COVID-19 has had a severe and negative impact on the Chinese and global economy since early 2020. Whether this will lead to a prolonged
downturn in the economy is still unknown, especially considering the multiple recent outbreaks in various countries and regions as well as the
uncertainties brought by the newly launched vaccination programs. Even before the outbreak of COVID-19, the global macroeconomic environment had
been facing challenges. The growth of the Chinese economy has gradually slowed down in recent years and the trend may continue. There is
considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the monetary and fiscal policies adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of
the world’s leading economies, including the United States and China. There have been concerns over unrest and terrorist threats in the Middle East,
Europe and Africa. There have also been concerns on the relationship between China and other countries, including surrounding Asian countries, which
may potentially lead to foreign investors closing down their businesses or withdrawing their investments in China and, thus, exiting the China market,
and other economic effects. In particular, there is significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and China with respect
to trade policies, treaties, government regulations and tariffs. Economic conditions in China are sensitive to global economic conditions, as well as
changes in domestic economic and political policies and the expected or perceived overall economic growth rate in China. Any severe or prolonged
slowdown in the global or Chinese economy may have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition, and continued
turbulence in the international markets may adversely affect our ability to access the capital markets to meet liquidity needs. Our customers may reduce
or delay spending with us, while we may have difficulty expanding our customer base fast enough, or at all, to offset the impact of decreased spending
by our
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existing customers. In addition, to the extent we offer credit to any customer and the customer experiences financial difficulties due to the economic
slowdown, we could have difficulty collecting payment from the customer.
Rising international political tensions, including changes in U.S. and international trade policies, particularly with regard to China, may adversely
impact our business and operating results.
The U.S. government has made statements and taken certain actions that may lead to changes in U.S. and international trade policies towards
China. In January 2020, the “Phase One” agreement was signed between the United States and China on trade matters. However, it remains unclear what
additional actions, if any, will be taken by the U.S. or other governments with respect to international trade agreements, the imposition of tariffs on
goods imported into the United States, tax policy related to international commerce, or other trade matters. While cross-border business may not be an
area of focus for us, any unfavorable government policies on international trade, such as capital controls or tariffs, may affect the demand for our
products and services, impact the competitive position of our products or prevent us from selling products in certain countries. If any new tariffs,
legislation and/or regulations are implemented, or if existing trade agreements are renegotiated or, in particular, if the U.S. government takes retaliatory
trade actions due to recent U.S.-China trade tensions, such changes could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
In addition, we have been closely monitoring domestic policies in the United States designed to restrict certain Chinese companies from supplying
or operating in the U.S. market. These policies include the Clean Network project initiated by the U.S. Department of State in August 2020 and new
authorities granted to the Department of Commerce to prohibit or restrict the use of information and communications technology and services, or ICTS.
While a substantial majority of our business is conducted in China, policies like these may deter U.S. users from accessing and/or using our search
engine, apps and other products in the United States, which could adversely impact our user experience and reputation. Similarly, India has banned a
large number of apps in 2020 out of national security concerns, many of which are China-based apps (including our apps), escalating regional political
and trade tensions.
Likewise, we are monitoring policies in the United States that are aimed at restricting U.S. persons from investing in or supplying certain Chinese
companies. The United States and various foreign governments have imposed controls, license requirements and restrictions on the import or export of
technologies and products (or voiced the intention to do so). For instance, the United States is in the process of developing new export controls with
respect to “emerging and foundational” technologies, which may include certain AI and semiconductor technologies. In addition, the U.S. government
may potentially impose a ban prohibiting U.S. persons from making investments in or engaging in transactions with certain Chinese companies.
Measures such as these could deter suppliers in the United States and/or other countries that impose export controls and other restrictions from providing
technologies and products to, making investments in, or otherwise engaging in transactions with Chinese companies. As a result, Chinese companies
would have to identify and secure alterative supplies or sources of financing, while they may not be able to do so in a timely manner and at
commercially acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, Chinese companies may have to limit and reduce their research and development and other
business activities, or cease conducting transactions with parties, in the United States and other countries that impose export controls or other
restrictions. Like other Chinese companies, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected as a result.
Failure to retain key third-party agents or attract additional third-party agents, or termination of our relationship with third-party agents could
materially and adversely affect our business. Moreover, there is no assurance that our direct sales model in some key geographic markets will
continue to be successful.
We rely, to a large extent, on a nationwide distribution network of third-party agents for our sales to, and collection of payment from, our
customers. The operations and conduct of such third-party agents are beyond our control. They may fail to provide quality services to our customers or
otherwise breach their contracts with our customers, or experience operational or financial difficulties or run out of business, or engage in misconduct
with respect to our sales and our customers. If any of the foregoing issues arise, we may terminate our relationship with third-party agents, lose
customers and our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. In
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the past, there had been alleged incidents of certain of our employees and consultants colluding with third-party agents in illegal activities. Although we
have zero tolerance towards any illegal activities and have internal policies and procedures against employee misconduct, we cannot assure you that our
employees would always comply with such policies and procedures, nor can we control third-party agents’ conduct or guarantee that such incidents
would not happen again. In addition, since most of third-party agents are not bound by long-term contracts, we cannot assure you that we will continue
to maintain favorable relationships with them. If we fail to retain key third-party agents or attract additional ones on terms that are commercially
reasonable, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. We may decide to terminate existing third-party agents and
transition to new ones or to our own distribution channel. If we decide and fail to smoothly transition our business to new third-party agents or to our
own distribution channel, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We have transitioned to using our direct sales force to serve customers in some key geographic markets, such as Beijing, Shanghai and other cities
There is no assurance that our direct sales model in those markets will continue to be successful. If we fail to maintain an adequate direct sales force,
retain existing customers and continue to attract new customers in those markets, our business, results of operations and prospects could be materially
and adversely affected.
We may not be able to detect or prevent misconduct committed by our employees or third parties.
Misconduct by our employees, such as unauthorized business transactions, bribery, corruption and breach of our internal policies and procedures,
or by consultants or other third parties, such as breach of law, may be difficult to detect or prevent. It could subject us to financial loss and sanctions
imposed by governmental authorities while seriously damaging our reputation. This may also impair our ability to effectively attract prospective users,
develop customer loyalty, obtain financing on favorable terms and conduct other business activities. Our risk management systems, information
technology systems and internal control procedures are designed to monitor our operations and overall compliance. Historically we have identified
certain incidents of employee and third-party misconduct. However, there can be no assurance we will be able to identify non-compliance or illegal
activities promptly, or at all. Furthermore, it is not always possible to detect and prevent misconduct committed by our employees or third parties, and
the precautions we take to prevent and detect such activities may not be effective. This may materially and adversely affect our business, brand, financial
condition and results of operations.
We rely on Baidu Union partners for a significant portion of our revenues. If we fail to retain existing Baidu Union partners or attract additional
members, our revenue growth and profitability may be adversely affected.
We pay Baidu Union partners a portion of our revenues as we leverage traffic of the Baidu Union partners’ internet properties. Some of Baidu
Union partners, however, may compete with us in one or more areas of our business. Therefore, they may decide in the future to terminate their
relationships with us. If Baidu Union partners decide to use a competitor’s or their own internet search services, or if our competitors offer more
attractive prices to bid for union traffic, our user traffic may decline, which may adversely affect our revenues. If we fail to attract additional Baidu
Union partners, our revenue growth may be adversely affected. In addition, if we have to share a larger portion of our revenues to retain existing Baidu
Union partners or attract additional partners, our profitability may be adversely affected.
Our overseas operations may not be successful.
We have launched products and services in local languages to internet users in several countries. It is uncertain when the operation will become
profitable, if at all. In particular, we rely on local telecommunication operators and service providers to provide us with network services and data center
hosting services, and our systems for these international products and services are not redundant across different regions and data centers. Any
interruption to the internet infrastructure or any data center may render our products and services in the region unavailable.
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We face certain risks inherent in doing business internationally, including:
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difficulties in developing, staffing and simultaneously managing a foreign operation as a result of distance, language and cultural
differences;
challenges in formulating effective local sales and marketing strategies targeting users from various jurisdictions and cultures, who have a
diverse range of preferences and demands;
challenges in identifying appropriate local business partners and establishing and maintaining good working relationships with them;
dependence on local platforms in marketing our international products and services overseas;
challenges in selecting suitable geographical regions for international business;
longer customer payment cycles;
currency exchange rate fluctuations;
political or social unrest or economic instability;
compliance with applicable foreign laws and regulations and unexpected changes in laws or regulations;
exposure to different tax jurisdictions that may subject us to greater fluctuations in our effective tax rate and potentially adverse tax
consequences; and
increased costs associated with doing business in foreign jurisdictions.
One or more of these factors could harm our overseas operations and consequently, could harm our overall results of operations.
If we are unable to adapt or expand our existing technology infrastructure to accommodate greater traffic, content or additional customer
requirements, our business may be harmed.
Our Baidu platform regularly serves a large number of users and customers and delivers a large number of daily page views. Our technology
infrastructure is highly complex and may not provide satisfactory service in the future, especially as the number of users and customers increases. We
may be required to upgrade our technology infrastructure to keep up with the increasing traffic on our Baidu platform, such as increasing the capacity of
our servers and the sophistication of our software. If we fail to adapt our technology infrastructure to accommodate greater traffic or customer
requirements, our users and customers may become dissatisfied with our services and switch to our competitors’ websites, which could harm our
business.
If we fail to detect fraudulent click-throughs, our customers’ confidence in us could be damaged and our revenues could decline.
We are exposed to the risk of click-through fraud on our paid search results. Click-through fraud occurs when a person clicks paid search results
for a reason other than to view the underlying content of search results. Although our anti-spam algorithms and tools can identify and respond to spam
web pages quickly and effectively and thus capture and prevent some fraudulent click-throughs, there is no assurance that our anti-spam technology is
able to detect and stop all fraudulent click-throughs. If we fail to detect fraudulent clicks or otherwise are unable to prevent this fraudulent activity, the
affected customers may experience a reduced return on investments, or ROI, in our online marketing services and lose confidence in the integrity of our
systems, and we may have to issue refunds to our customers. If this happens, we may be unable to retain existing customers or attract new customers for
our online marketing services, and our online marketing revenues could decline. In addition, affected customers may also file legal actions against us
claiming that we have over-charged or failed to refund them. Any such claims or similar claims, regardless of their merits, could be time-consuming and
costly
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for us to defend against and could also adversely affect our brand and our customers’ confidence in the integrity of our systems. We experienced a
number of incidents involving fraudulent click-throughs in recent years. Although the amount of revenue involved in these incidents was immaterial,
such cases of fraudulent click-throughs, if occurring on a large-scale and widespread manner, may damage the reputation of our search ecosystem.
The successful operation of our business depends upon the performance and reliability of the internet infrastructure and fixed telecommunications
networks in China.
Our business depends on the performance and reliability of the internet infrastructure in China. Almost all access to the internet is maintained
through state-owned telecommunication operators under the administrative control and regulatory supervision of the Ministry of Industry and
Information Technology, or the MIIT. In addition, the national networks in China are connected to the internet through international gateways controlled
by the PRC government. These international gateways are the only channels through which a domestic user can connect to the internet. It is
unpredictable whether a more sophisticated internet infrastructure will be developed in China. We may not have access to alternative networks in the
event of disruptions, failures or other problems with China’s internet infrastructure. In addition, the internet infrastructure in China may not support the
demands associated with continued growth in internet usage.
We rely heavily on China Telecommunications Corporation, or China Telecom, China United Network Communications Group Company
Limited, or China Unicom, and China Mobile Communications Corporation, or China Mobile, to provide us with network services and data center
hosting services. We have entered into contracts with various local branches or subsidiaries of China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile to
obtain data communications capacity. We have limited access to alternative services in the event of disruptions, failures or other problems with the fixed
telecommunications networks of these companies, or if these companies otherwise fail to provide the services. Any unscheduled service interruption
could damage our reputation and result in a decrease in our revenues. Furthermore, we have no control over the costs of the services provided by these
telecommunication companies. If the prices that we pay for telecommunications and internet services rise significantly, our gross margins could be
adversely affected. In addition, if internet access fees or other charges to internet users increase, our user traffic may decrease, which in turn may harm
our revenues.
Security breaches and improper access to or disclosure of our data or user data, or any system failure or compromise of our security, could harm
our reputation and adversely affect our business.
Our business is prone to cyber-attacks seeking unauthorized access to our data or user data or to disrupt our ability to provide services. Any failure
to prevent or mitigate security breaches and improper access to or disclosure of our data or user data, such as personal information, including names,
accounts, user IDs and passwords, and payment or transaction related information, could result in the loss or misuse of such data, which could cause a
loss or give rise to liabilities to the owners of confidential information, such as our users, customers, third-party agents, content providers and Baidu
Union partners, subject us to penalties imposed by administrative authorities, and disrupt our operations. For example, Baidu Drive provides services to
many individual users who may upload sensitive personal information and documents of significance to Baidu Drive. In the event of an unauthorized
access, such information and documents might be leaked or even further sold through illegal means. In addition, computer malware, viruses, social
engineering (predominantly spear phishing attacks), and general hacking have become more prevalent in our industry, have occurred on our systems in
the past, and may occur again on our systems in the future. We also regularly encounter attempts to create false or undesirable user accounts, purchase
ads, or take other actions on our platform for purposes such as spamming, spreading misinformation, or other objectionable ends. As a result of our
prominence, the size of our user base, and the types and volume of personal data on our systems, we believe that we are a particularly attractive target
for such breaches and attacks. Such attacks may cause interruptions to the services we provide, degrade the user experience, cause users or customers to
lose confidence and trust in our products and services, impair our internal systems, or result in financial harm to us.
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We have adopted strict information security policies and deployed advanced measures to implement the policies, including, among others,
advanced encryption technologies. However, we may not be able to implement adequate preventative measures or prevent compromises or breaches of
our preventative measures due to the evolution of the sophistication of cyber-attacks, advances in technology, an increased level of sophistication and
diversity of our products and services, an increased level of expertise of hackers, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or others, software bugs or
other technical malfunctions, employee, contractor, or vendor error or malfeasance, government surveillance, or other evolving threats. As a result, we
may incur significant costs in protecting against or remediating cyber-attacks.
In addition, some of our developers or other partners, such as those that help us measure the effectiveness of advertisements, may receive or store
information provided by us or by our users through mobile or web applications integrated with our products. We provide limited information to such
third parties based on the scope of services provided to us. However, if these third parties fail to adopt or adhere to adequate data security practices, or in
the event of a breach of their networks, our data or our users’ data may be improperly accessed, used, or disclosed.
Affected users or government authorities could initiate legal or regulatory actions against us in connection with any actual or perceived security
breaches or improper disclosure of data, which could cause us to incur significant expense and liabilities or result in orders or consent decrees forcing us
to modify our business practices. Such incidents or our efforts to remediate such incidents may also result in a decline in our user base or engagement
levels. Any of these events could have a material and adverse effect on our business, reputation, or results of operations.
Defects or errors in our products or services could diminish demand for our products or services, harm our business and results of operations and
subject us to liability.
Our customers use our products for important aspects of their personal lives or businesses. Any errors, defects or disruptions to our products and
any other performance problems with our products could damage our customers’ personal lives or businesses and, in turn, hurt our brand and reputation.
We provide regular updates to our products, which have in the past contained, and may in the future contain, undetected errors, failures, vulnerabilities
and bugs when first introduced or released. Real or perceived errors, failures or bugs in our products could result in negative publicity, loss of or delay in
market acceptance of our platform, loss of competitive position, lower customer retention or claims by customers for losses sustained by them. In such
an event, we may be required, or may choose, for customer relations or other reasons, to expend additional resources in order to help correct the
problem. In addition, we may not carry insurance to compensate us for any losses that may result from claims arising from defects or disruptions in our
products. As a result, our reputation and our brand could be harmed, and our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely
affected.
Concerns and unfavorable media coverage relating to our privacy practices could damage our reputation, deter current and potential users and
customers from using our products and services and negatively impact our business.
The internet industry is facing significant challenges with respect to information security and privacy, including the storage, transmission and
sharing of confidential information. The general public, our users, customers, third-party agents, content providers and Baidu Union partners are
increasingly aware of the vulnerability of confidential and private information. We will continue to experience media or regulatory scrutiny of our
actions or decisions regarding user privacy, content or advertising. Furthermore, concerns have been expressed from time to time about whether our
products, services or processes could compromise the privacy of users and others.
We transmit and store confidential and private information of our users, customers, third-party agents, content providers and Baidu Union
partners, such as personal information, including names, accounts, user IDs
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and passwords, and payment or transaction related information. Historically there has been negative publicity or media reports making allegations about
our practice, and we cannot rule out similar possibilities of such in the future. Although we strive to comply with all privacy related requirements, we
cannot guarantee that our products or services are at all times without defect due to the complexity and rapid evolvement of technology, etc. Concerns
about our practices with regard to the collection, use, disclosure, or security of personal information or other privacy related matters, and any negative
publicity on our information safety or privacy protection mechanism and policy, even if unfounded, has in the past, and could adversely affect our
business and results of operations and financial condition. Such concerns and negative publicity could damage our reputation and brand, and have an
adverse effect on the size, engagement and loyalty of our user base, which could adversely affect our business and results.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may lose investor confidence in the reliability of our
financial statements.
We are subject to reporting obligations under the U.S. securities laws. The SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
adopted rules requiring every public company to include a management report on the company’s internal control over financial reporting in its annual
report, which contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. In addition, an independent
registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. We have been
subject to these requirements since the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
Our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020. See “Item 15. Controls
and Procedures.” Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report, which has concluded that our internal control over
financial reporting was effective in all material aspects as of December 31, 2020. However, if we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control
over financial reporting in the future, our management and our independent registered public accounting firm may not be able to conclude that we have
effective internal control over financial reporting at a reasonable assurance level. This could in turn result in loss of investor confidence in the reliability
of our financial statements and negatively impact the trading price of our ADSs. Furthermore, we have incurred and anticipate that we will continue to
incur considerable costs, management time and other resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other
requirements.
We are subject to changing laws and regulations regarding regulatory matters, corporate governance and public disclosures that have increased
both our costs and the risk of non-compliance.
We are subject to rules and regulations by various governing bodies, including, for example, the SEC, which is charged with the protection of
investors and the oversight of companies whose securities are publicly traded, and the various regulatory authorities in China and the Cayman Islands,
and to new and evolving regulatory measures under applicable law. Our efforts to comply with new and changing laws and regulations have resulted in
and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-
generating activities to compliance activities.
Moreover, because these laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, their application in practice may evolve over time
as new guidance becomes available. This evolution may result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and additional costs necessitated
by ongoing revisions to our disclosure and governance practices. If we fail to address and comply with these regulations and any subsequent changes,
we may be subject to penalty and our business may be harmed.
We have limited business insurance coverage.
We have purchased insurance to cover certain liabilities, properties and employees in connection with our intelligent driving business. We only
have limited business liability or disruption insurance coverage for our
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operations in China. Any business disruption may result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of our resources.
We face risks related to health epidemics, severe weather conditions and other outbreaks.
In recent years, there have been outbreaks of epidemics in China and globally, including the outbreak of COVID-19. In March 2020, the World
Health Organization declared the COVID-19 a pandemic. COVID-19 has resulted in quarantines, travel restrictions, and the temporary closure of
businesses and facilities in China and worldwide.
Our results of operations have been, and could continue to be adversely, and may be materially, affected, to the extent that the COVID-19 or any
other epidemic harms the Chinese and global economy in general. Any potential impact to our results will depend on, to a large extent, future
developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of the COVID-19 and the actions taken by government
authorities and other entities to contain the COVID-19 or treat its impact, including the effectiveness of the vaccine programs, almost all of which are
beyond our control. For the COVID-19’s impact on our financial results, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. Potential
impacts include, but are not limited to, the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
temporary closure of offices, travel restrictions or suspension of services of our customers and suppliers have negatively affected, and
could continue to negatively affect, the demand for our services;
our customers in industries that are negatively impacted by COVID-19, including healthcare, travel, offline education, franchising,
auto/transportation and real estate/home furnishing sectors, may reduce their budgets on online advertising and marketing, which may
materially adversely impact our revenue from online marketing services;
our customers may require additional time to pay us or fail to pay us at all, which could significantly increase the amount of accounts
receivable and require us to record additional allowances for doubtful accounts. We have provided and may continue to provide significant
sales incentives to our customers and third-party agents during the pandemic, which may in turn materially adversely affect our financial
condition and operating results;
the business operations of our third-party agents have been and could continue to be negatively impacted by the pandemic, which may
negatively impact our distribution channel, or result in loss of customers or disruption of our services, which may in turn materially
adversely affect our financial condition and operating results;
any disruption of our supply chain, logistics providers or customers could adversely impact our business and results of operations,
including causing us or our suppliers to cease manufacturing Xiaodu smart devices for a period of time or materially delay delivery to
customers, which may also lead to loss of customers, as well as reputational, competitive and business harm to us;
many of our customers, third-party agents, suppliers and other partners are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may not
have strong cash flows or be well capitalized, and may be vulnerable to a pandemic and slowing macroeconomic conditions. If the SMEs
that we work with cannot weather COVID-19 and the resulting economic impact, or cannot resume business as usual after a prolonged
pandemic, our revenues and business operations may be materially and adversely impacted;
the global stock markets have experienced, and may continue to experience, significant decline from the COVID-19 pandemic and the
private and public companies that we have invested in could be materially adversely affected, which may lead to significant impairment in
the fair values of our investments and in turn materially adversely affect our financial condition and operating results; and
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•
corporate social responsibility initiatives we put forth in response to COVID-19, such as the RMB300 million charitable initiative with the
goal of providing awareness education and improving public health in China, and many other efforts to leverage our technology, products
and services to help contain the pandemic, may negatively affect our financial condition and operating results.
The potential downturn brought by and the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic may be difficult to assess or predict where actual effects will
depend on many factors beyond our control. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our long-term results remains uncertain, and we are
closely monitoring its impact on us. During the year ended December 31, 2020, our operations have been significantly affected by the COVID-19
pandemic. Our online marketing revenues declined compared to the prior period, mainly due to weakness in online advertising demand as our customers
in certain industries are negatively impacted by COVID-19. We have also provided additional allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable and
contract assets, recognized impairment charges on our long-term investments and content assets, and recorded loss from equity method investments in
2020, due to the impact of COVID-19 and other factors. In addition, increased market volatility has contributed to larger fluctuations in the valuation of
our equity investments. There are still significant uncertainties of COVID-19’s future impact, and the extent of the impact will depend on a number of
factors, including the duration and severity of COVID-19, possibility of a second wave in China and other countries, the development of the vaccine and
other medical treatment, the actions taken by government authorities to contain the outbreak, and government stimulus measures, almost all of which are
beyond our control. As a result, certain of our estimates and assumptions, including the allowance for credit losses, the valuation of certain debt and
equity investments, long-term investments, content assets and long-lived assets subject to impairment assessments, require significant judgments and
carry a higher degree of variabilities and volatilities that could result in material changes to our current estimates in future periods.
In general, our business could be adversely affected by the effects of epidemics, including, but not limited to, the COVID-19, avian influenza,
severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the influenza A virus, Ebola virus, severe weather conditions such as a snowstorm, flood or hazardous air
pollution, or other outbreaks. In response to an epidemic, severe weather conditions, or other outbreaks, government and other organizations may adopt
regulations and policies that could lead to severe disruption to our daily operations, including temporary closure of our offices and other facilities. These
severe conditions may cause us and/or our partners to make internal adjustments, including but not limited to, temporarily closing down business,
limiting business hours, and setting restrictions on travel and/or visits with clients and partners for a prolonged period of time. Various impact arising
from a severe condition may cause business disruption, resulting in material, adverse impact to our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
PRC laws and regulations governing our businesses and the validity of certain of our contractual arrangements are uncertain. If we are found to be
in violation, we could be subject to sanctions. In addition, changes in PRC laws and regulations or changes in interpretations thereof may materially
and adversely affect our business.
The PRC government restricts or imposes conditions on foreign investment in various industries such as internet content, value-added
telecommunication-based online marketing, audio and video services and mobile application distribution businesses. We and our PRC subsidiaries are
still considered foreign persons or foreign-invested enterprises under PRC foreign investment related laws. As a result, we and our PRC subsidiaries are
subject to PRC legal restrictions on or conditions for foreign ownership of internet content, value-added telecommunication-based online marketing,
audio and video services and mobile application distribution businesses. Due to these restrictions and conditions, we operate our platform and conduct
business in certain restricted or prohibited industries such as value-added telecommunication-based online marketing, audio and video services and
mobile application distribution businesses in China through our consolidated affiliated entities. As all the nominee shareholders of our consolidated
affiliated entities are either PRC citizens or PRC
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domestic enterprises, these entities are therefore considered as PRC domestic enterprises under PRC law. The “nominee shareholders” refer to those
shareholders who have entered into exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreements and equity pledge agreements with us as part of the
contractual arrangements. Our contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities and the nominee shareholders allow us to have the
power to direct the activities of these entities that most significantly impact their economic performance. These contractual arrangements demonstrate
our ability and intention to continue to exercise the ability to absorb losses or receive economic benefits that could potentially be significant to the
consolidated affiliated entities. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, we derived 33%, 40% and 43% of our external revenues from our consolidated affiliated
entities, respectively.
There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the laws
and regulations governing our business, or the enforcement and performance of our contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities,
including but not limited to Baidu Netcom and the nominee shareholders. These laws and regulations may be subject to change, and their official
interpretation and enforcement may involve substantial uncertainty. New laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future businesses may
also be applied retroactively. Due to the uncertainty and complexity of the regulatory environment, we cannot assure you that we would always be in full
compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the violation of which may have adverse effect on our business and our reputation.
Although we believe we comply with current PRC laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that the PRC government would agree that our
contractual arrangements comply with PRC licensing, registration or other regulatory requirements, with existing policies or with requirements or
policies that may be adopted in the future. The PRC government has broad discretion in determining rectifiable or punitive measures for non-compliance
with or violations of PRC laws and regulations. If the PRC government determines that we do not comply with applicable law, it could revoke our
business and operating licenses, require us to discontinue or restrict our operations, restrict our right to collect revenues, block our websites, require us
to restructure our operations, impose additional conditions or requirements with which we may not be able to comply, impose restrictions on our
business operations or on our customers, or take other regulatory or enforcement actions against us that could be harmful to our business. Any of these
or similar occurrences could significantly disrupt our business operations or restrict us from conducting a substantial portion of our business operations,
which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of these occurrences results in our inability
to direct the activities of any of our consolidated affiliated entities that most significantly impact its economic performance, and/or our failure to receive
the economic benefits from any of our consolidated affiliated entities, we may not be able to consolidate these entities in our consolidated financial
statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Our contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities in China and the individual nominee shareholders may not be as effective in
providing control over these entities as direct ownership.
Since PRC law restricts or imposes conditions on foreign equity ownership in the internet sector, value-added telecommunication-based online
marketing, online audio and video services and mobile application distribution companies in China, we operate our platform and conduct our value-
added telecommunication-based online marketing, online audio and video services and mobile app distribution businesses through our consolidated
affiliated entities in China. We have no equity interest in any of these entities and must rely on contractual arrangements to control and operate the
businesses and assets held by our consolidated affiliated entities, including the domain names and trademarks that have been transferred from our
subsidiaries to our consolidated affiliated entities in accordance with requirements of PRC law. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective
in providing control over these entities as direct ownership. For example, our consolidated affiliated entities and the individual nominee shareholders
could breach their contractual arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to operate our business, such as using the domain names and
trademarks our subsidiaries have transferred to them or maintaining our platform, in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to
our interests. If our consolidated affiliated entities or the individual nominee
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shareholders fail to perform their obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs to enforce such arrangements,
and rely on legal remedies under PRC law, including contract remedies, which may not be sufficient or effective. If we are unable to enforce these
contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant delay or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, we may not be
able to have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of our consolidated affiliated entities, and we may
lose control over the assets owned by our consolidated affiliated entities, including our Baidu.com domain name and website, and any other domain
names and websites we have access to may not attract a large number of users and customers at the same level as Baidu.com. As a result, our ability to
conduct our business may be materially and adversely affected, and we may not be able to consolidate the financial results of the relevant affiliated
entities into our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which may materially and adversely affect our results of operations
and damage our reputation.
Our contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities in China may result in adverse tax consequences to us.
As a result of our corporate structure and the contractual arrangements between our subsidiaries and each of our consolidated affiliated entities in
China, we would be subject to adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities were to determine that the contracts between our subsidiaries and
these consolidated affiliated entities were not on an arm’s-length basis and therefore constituted a favorable transfer pricing. Under the PRC Enterprise
Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, an enterprise must submit its annual tax return together with information on related-party transactions to the PRC tax
authorities. The PRC tax authorities may impose reasonable adjustments on taxation if they have identified any related party transactions that are
inconsistent with arm’s-length principles. For example, the PRC tax authorities could request that our consolidated affiliated entities adjust their taxable
income upward for PRC tax purposes. Such adjustment could adversely affect us by increasing our consolidated affiliated entities’ tax expenses without
reducing our subsidiaries’ tax expenses, which could subject our consolidated affiliated entities to interest due on late payments and other penalties for
under-payment of taxes.
We may have exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities.
We are subject to enterprise income tax, or EIT, VAT, and other taxes in many provinces and cities in China and our tax structure is subject to
review by various local tax authorities. The determination of our provision for income tax and other tax liabilities requires significant judgment. In the
ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. For example, if our P4P
service is classified as a form of advertisement distribution service, we may be required to pay a cultural business construction fee. See “Item 5.A.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Taxation—PRC VAT in Lieu of Business Tax.” In addition, if this classification of
P4P services were to be retroactively applied, we might be subject to sanctions, including payment of delinquent fees and fines for the revenues
generated from our P4P services prior to the classification. Moreover, under the EIT Law, the PRC tax authorities may impose reasonable adjustments
on taxation if they have identified any related party transactions that are inconsistent with arm’s-length principles. Particularly, pursuant to the
Administrative Measures for Special Tax Adjustment and Investigation and Mutual Consultation Procedures issued by the State Administration of Tax
in March 2017, if a PRC enterprise makes an outbound payment to its overseas related party which undertakes no functions, bears no risks or has no
substantial operation or activities and such payment is inconsistent with arm’s-length principles, the tax authorities may carry out a special tax
adjustment based on the full amount deducted prior to tax. Although we believe all our related party transactions, including all payments by our PRC
subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities to our non-PRC entities, are made on an arm’s-length basis and our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate
decisions by the relevant tax authorities may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially affect our financial results
in the period or periods for which such determination is made.
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The individual nominee shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may adversely
affect our business. We do not have any arrangements in place to address such potential conflicts.
We have designated individuals who are PRC nationals to be the nominee shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities in China. For
example, Robin Yanhong Li, our chairman, chief executive officer and co-founder, is also the principal nominee shareholder of Baidu Netcom, which is
our principal consolidated affiliated entity.
Although the individual nominee shareholders are contractually obligated to act in good faith and in our best interest, they may still have potential
conflicts of interest with us. For example, some individual nominee shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities do not have a significant equity
stake in our company other than the share options granted to them. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise, any or all of these
individuals will act in the best interests of our company or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor. In addition, these individuals may breach, cause
our consolidated affiliated entities to breach or refuse to renew, the existing contractual arrangements with us. Currently, we do not have any
arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these individuals and our company, except that we could exercise our transfer option
under the exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreement with the relevant individual nominee shareholder to request him/her to transfer all of
his/her equity ownership in the relevant consolidated affiliated entity to a PRC entity or individual designated by us. We rely on Mr. Robin Yanhong Li,
who is also a director of our company, to abide by the Cayman Islands law, which provides that directors owe a fiduciary duty to the company, and those
who are also directors or officers of our PRC subsidiaries to abide by PRC law, which provides that directors and officers owe a fiduciary duty to the
company. Such fiduciary duty requires directors and/or officers to act in good faith and in the best interests of the company and not to use their positions
for personal gains. There are, however, no specific provisions under the Cayman Islands or PRC law on how to address potential conflicts of interest. If
we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between us and the individual nominee shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities, we
would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could disrupt our business, distract management and subject us to substantial uncertainty as to the
outcome of any such legal proceedings.
We may be unable to collect long-term loans to the nominee shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities in China.
As of December 31, 2020, we have made long-term loans in an aggregate principal amount of RMB19.1 billion (US$2.9 billion) to the nominee
shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities. We extended these loans to enable the nominee shareholders to fund the capitalization of these
entities. We may in the future provide additional loans to the nominee shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities in China in connection with any
increase in their capitalization to the extent necessary and permissible under applicable law. Our ability to ultimately collect these loans will depend on
the profitability of these consolidated affiliated entities and their operational needs, which are uncertain.
We are in the process of registering the pledges of equity interests by nominee shareholders of some of our consolidated affiliated entities, and we
may not be able to enforce the equity pledges against any third parties who acquire the equity interests in good faith in the relevant consolidated
affiliated entities before the pledges are registered.
Pursuant to equity pledge agreements under the contractual arrangements, the nominee shareholders of each of our consolidated affiliated entities
should pledge all of their equity interests in the relevant consolidated affiliated entities to our subsidiaries. An equity pledge agreement becomes
effective among the parties upon execution. However, according to the Civil Code which became effective from January 1, 2021, an equity pledge is not
perfected as a security property right unless it is registered with the relevant local administration for market regulation. We are still in the process of
registering the pledge relating to certain consolidated affiliated
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entity(ies), relating to recent equity interest transfers and capital increase. Prior to the completion of the registration, we may not be able to successfully
enforce the equity pledge against any third parties who have acquired property right interests in good faith in the equity interests in the relevant
consolidated affiliated entity(ies).
If the chops of our PRC subsidiaries and our VIEs are not kept safely, are stolen or are used by unauthorized persons or for unauthorized purposes,
the corporate governance of these entities could be severely and adversely compromised.
In China, a company chop or seal serves as the legal representation of the company towards third parties even when unaccompanied by a
signature. Each legally registered company in China is required to maintain a company chop, which must be registered with the local Public Security
Bureau. In addition to this mandatory company chop, companies may have several other chops which can be used for specific purposes. The chops of
our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs are generally held securely by personnel designated or approved by us in accordance with our internal control
procedures. To the extent those chops are not kept safely, are stolen or are used by unauthorized persons or for unauthorized purposes, the corporate
governance of these entities could be severely and adversely compromised and those corporate entities may be bound to abide by the terms of any
documents so chopped, even if they were chopped by an individual who lacked the requisite power and authority to do so. In addition, if the chops are
misused by unauthorized persons, we could experience disruption to our normal business operations. We may have to take corporate or legal action,
which could involve significant time and resources to resolve while distracting management from our operations.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material and adverse effect on our business and
operations.
Most of our business operations are conducted in China. Accordingly, our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects are
affected by economic, political and social conditions in China generally and by continued economic growth in China as a whole.
China’s economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the extent of government involvement, level
of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures
emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets, and the establishment of
improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. In addition,
the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development. The Chinese government also exercises significant
control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary
policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.
Growth of China’s economy has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and the growth of the Chinese
economy has slowed down in recent years. Some of the government measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect
on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or
changes in tax regulations. Any stimulus measures designed to boost the Chinese economy may contribute to higher inflation, which could adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition. For example, certain operating costs and expenses, such as employee compensation and office
operating expenses, may increase as a result of higher inflation. Additionally, because a substantial portion of our assets consists of cash and cash
equivalents and short-term investments, high inflation could significantly reduce the value and purchasing power of these assets.
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Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.
We conduct our business primarily through our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities in China. Our operations in China are governed by
PRC laws and regulations. Our subsidiaries are generally subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China. The PRC legal
system is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value.
PRC laws and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China for the past
decades. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all
aspects of economic activities in China. In particular, because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited volume of
published decisions and their nonbinding nature, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties.
Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis
or at all. As a result, we may not be aware of our potential violation of these policies and rules. In addition, any administrative and court proceedings in
China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.
We may be adversely affected by the complexity, uncertainties and changes in PRC regulations of internet and related business and companies.
The PRC government regulates the internet and related industry extensively, including foreign ownership of, and the licensing and permit
requirements pertaining to, companies in the internet industry. These internet-related laws and regulations are relatively new and evolving, and their
interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainty. As a result, under certain circumstances it may be difficult to determine what actions or
omissions may be deemed to be violations of applicable laws and regulations. Issues, risks and uncertainties relating to PRC government regulation of
the internet industry include, but are not limited to, the following:
•
•
We only have contractual control over our websites. We do not own the websites due to the restriction of foreign investment in businesses
providing value-added telecommunications services in China, including online information services.
The licensing requirements relating to the internet business in China are uncertain and evolving. This means that permits, licenses or
operations at some of our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities may be subject to challenge, or we may not be able to obtain
or renew certain permits or licenses, including without limitation, a Value-Added Telecommunication Business Operating License, which
is issued by the MIIT, an Internet News License, which is issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China, or the CAC, a Short
Messaging Service Access Code Certificate, which is issued by the MIIT, an Online Audio/Video Program Transmission License, which is
issued by the State Administration of Press Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or the SAPPRFT (the corresponding regulatory body
currently known as National Radio and Television Administration, or the NRTA), a Radio and Television Program Production License,
which is issued by the local bureau of the NRTA, a Surveying and Mapping Qualification Certificate for internet map services, which is
issued by the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geo-information, an Internet Culture Business Permit with or without
the permitted scope of business covering online game operation and online game virtual currency issuance or trading, which is issued by
the local bureau of the then Ministry of Culture, or the Ministry of Culture and Tourism which has replaced the Ministry of Culture, an
Internet Publication Service License, which is issued by the SAPPRFT (the corresponding regulatory body currently known as the National
Press and Publication Administration, or the NPPA), a Publication Business Operating License, which is issued by the local bureau of the
SAPPRFT or NPPA, a Qualification Certificate for Internet Drug Information Services, which is issued by provincial branch of the State
Food and Drug Administration (the corresponding regulatory body currently known
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as the National Medical Products Administration), a Human Resource Services License, which is issued by the local bureau of the
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and a Commercial Performances License, which is issued by the Municipal Bureau of
Culture and Tourism. Failure to obtain or renew these permits and licenses may significantly disrupt our business, or subject us to
sanctions, requirements to increase capital or other conditions or enforcement, or compromise enforceability of related contractual
arrangements, or have other harmful effects on us.
•
New laws and regulations may be promulgated to regulate internet activities, including online advertising and internet cultural activities.
Other aspects of our online operations may be further regulated in the future. If these new laws and regulations are promulgated, additional
licenses may be required for our online operations. If our operations do not comply with these new regulations at the time they become
effective, or if we fail to obtain any licenses required under these new laws and regulations, we could be subject to penalties.
We provide value-added telecommunications services through our consolidated affiliated entities, which hold the required licenses. In July 2006,
the MIIT issued the Notice of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Intensifying the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-
Added Telecommunications Services. This notice prohibits domestic telecommunication service providers from leasing, transferring or selling
telecommunication business operating licenses to any foreign investor in any form, or providing any resources, sites or facilities to any foreign investor
for their illegal operation of a telecommunication business in China. According to this notice, either the holder of a Value-Added Telecommunication
Business Operating License or its shareholders must directly own the domain names and trademarks used by the license holder in its provision of value-
added telecommunications services. Our major consolidated affiliated entities hold the necessary assets that are material to the operation of our business,
including domain names, personnel, facilities and most of our intellectual property rights.
As we enter into new businesses, we may encounter additional regulatory uncertainties. For example, the current PRC legal framework on
autonomous cars or autonomous driving is still new and evolving. Pursuant to the local rules and regulations in various cities including Beijing,
Shanghai, Chongqing, and other cities, any entity intending to conduct a road testing of autonomous driving vehicles in these cities must file an
application for road testing with a designated local agency supervising road testing of autonomous vehicles in these cities. It also remains uncertain what
additional compliance requirements we need to meet in order to undertake a road testing of our autonomous driving cars in other locations in China.
Baidu has obtained permits to conduct road testing in certain cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Yangquan, Shanghai, Yinchuan, Nanjing and Hefei.
There is no guarantee that the road testing of our autonomous driving cars in other locations fully complies with local laws and regulations. If our road
testing is deemed by local enforcement authority as a violation of the applicable traffic and transportation laws, we may have to suspend the testing, and
the progress of our research and development of autonomous cars may be adversely affected.
The interpretation and application of existing PRC laws, regulations and policies and possible new laws, regulations or policies relating to the
internet industry have created substantial uncertainties regarding the legality of existing and future foreign investments in, and the businesses and
activities of, internet businesses in China, including our business.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with the enacted Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms and other anti-monopoly laws
and regulations may result in governmental investigations or enforcement actions, litigation or claims against us and could have an adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The PRC anti-monopoly enforcement agencies have in recent years strengthened enforcement under the PRC Anti-monopoly Law. In March
2018, the SAMR was formed as a new governmental agency to take over, among other things, the anti-monopoly enforcement functions from the
relevant departments under the
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MOFCOM, the NDRC and the SAIC, respectively. Since its inception, the SAMR has continued to strengthen anti-monopoly enforcement. On
December 28, 2018, the SAMR issued the Notice on Anti-monopoly Enforcement Authorization, which grants authorities to its province-level branches
to conduct anti-monopoly enforcement within their respective jurisdictions. On September 11, 2020, the SAMR issued Anti-monopoly Compliance
Guideline for Operators, which requires, under the PRC Anti-monopoly Law, operators to establish anti-monopoly compliance management systems to
prevent anti-monopoly compliance risks. On February 7, 2021, the Antimonopoly Commission of the State Council officially promulgated the Anti-
Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms. Pursuant to an official interpretation from the Anti-monopoly Commission of the State Council, the Anti-
Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms mainly covers five aspects, including general provisions, monopoly agreements, abusing market
dominance, concentration of undertakings, and abusing of administrative powers eliminating or restricting competition. The Anti-Monopoly Guidelines
for Internet Platforms prohibits certain monopolistic acts of internet platforms so as to protect market competition and safeguard interests of users and
undertakings participating in internet platform economy, including without limitation, prohibiting platforms with dominant position from abusing their
market dominance (such as discriminating customers in terms of pricing and other transactional conditions using big data and analytics, coercing
counterparties into exclusivity arrangements, using technology means to block competitors’ interface, favorable positioning in search results of goods
displays, using bundle services to sell services or products, compulsory collection of unnecessary user data). In addition, the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines
for Internet Platforms also reinforces antitrust merger review for internet platform related transactions to safeguard market competition. As the Anti-
Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms was newly promulgated, we are uncertain to estimate its specific impact on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects. We cannot assure you that our business operations comply with such regulations and authorities’
requirements in all respects. If any non-compliance is raised by relevant authorities and determined against us, we may be subject to fines and other
penalties.
To our knowledge, a certain number of PRC Internet companies adopt VIE structure, but there have been few precedents where Internet
companies with a VIE structure were investigated for being involved in the concentrations of undertaking until recently. It has been long debated
whether transactions involving Internet companies with a VIE structure are subject to prior filing of notification requirements, since filing of notification
of concentration of undertaking made by couples of Internet companies were not accepted in the past. Due to such regulatory history in the industry and
as a matter of common industry practice in the past, we did not file prior notification of concentrations of undertaking. In April 2020, the SAMR
published a case of concentration of undertaking where a VIE structure was involved (such case was closed in July 2020 and unconditional approval
was granted). In November 2020, the draft Guidelines to Anti-Monopoly in the Field of Internet Platforms also, for the first time, expressly include
concentrations involving a VIE structure within the ambit of SAMR’s merger control review if the reporting thresholds are triggered. Furthermore, in
December 2020, SAMR has, for the first time, formally penalized three Internet companies with a VIE structure for failure to file prior notifications of
implementing concentrations. Hence, starting from 2020, SAMR has been reviewing historical cases of concentrations of undertaking of Internet
companies with a VIE structure, and past failure to file prior notification of concentrations of undertaking may be investigated and penalized.
We have received enquiry from the SAMR related to failure to file prior notification of concentrations of undertaking and the possibility of
penalty. Relevant cases are still under investigation. We have been cooperating with SAMR and we keep written and oral correspondence with SAMR.
In January 2021, we received one official case-filing notification in connection with one case, which required us to provide relevant materials and
statements on whether the non-filing constitutes a failure to file prior notification of concentrations of undertaking. We have been cooperating with
SAMR and providing the requested documents and information. Recently we received a notification from the SAMR contemplating the imposition of a
fine of RMB500,000 in connection with this case. The SAMR will issue an official notice imposing the penalty if no objection was raised within three
business days. We did not object to the penalty. We do not expect further penalty from the SAMR in connection with this case after we make full
payment of the penalty. There can be no assurance that such enquiry can be resolved in a timely manner to the SAMR’s satisfaction, or that we will not
be subject to more enquiries in
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the future. We may be subject to penalty in connection with any such enquiry, including certain fines up to RMB500,000 per case, and in extreme case
being order to terminate the contemplated concentration, to dispose of our equity or asset within a prescribed period, to transfer our business within a
prescribed time or to take any other necessary measures to return to the pre-concentration status. We may receive greater scrutiny and attention from
regulators and more frequent and rigid investigation or review by regulators, which will increase our compliance costs and subject us to heightened risks
and challenges. We may have to spend much more personnel cost and time evaluating and managing these risks and challenges in connection with our
products and services as well as our investments in our ordinary business course to avoid any failure to comply with these regulations. Any failure or
perceived failure by us to comply with the enacted Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms and other anti-monopoly laws and regulations may
result in governmental investigations or enforcement actions, litigations or claims against us and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
We are subject to governmental economic sanctions or export control laws.
We are subject to various economic and trade sanctions laws in different jurisdictions. For example, U.S. economic sanctions prohibit the
provision of products and services to countries, governments, and persons targeted by U.S. sanctions. United Kingdom financial sanctions and European
Union sanctions also have similar regime to prohibit the provision of products and services to countries, governments and persons on their respective
target list.
In August 2020, MOFCOM and the Ministry of Technology jointly promulgated a notice to adjust and pronounce the Catalog of Technologies
Prohibited or Restricted from Export of the PRC, which has provided that certain technologies on interactive interface of AI (including voice
recognition, microphone array, voice wake-up and interactive understanding) could be restricted for export from the PRC without approval. According
to the Administrative Measures on the Import and Export of Technologies of the PRC, which was recently revised by the State Council in November
2020, if we would like to conduct any type of cross-border technology service or cooperation involving certain AI technologies which are or may be
(subject to determination by the relevant governmental authority) restricted from export, we would be required to apply for approval from the provincial
competent commercial department before entering into any substantial stage of negotiation or execution of any technology export contract. If and after
such contract is executed, we shall apply for an export certificate and such contract would only come into effect after the competent commercial
department has granted us the permit. Such process may be time consuming and there is no guarantee that such permit would always be granted, which
could negatively affect our potential cross-border technology service or cooperation.
While we believe that we have been, and that we continue to be, in compliance with applicable governmental economic sanctions or export
control laws, our failure to employ appropriate safeguards with respect to users located in countries that are targets of governmental economic sanctions
or export control may result in a violation of such laws and regulations. Non-compliance with applicable governmental economic sanctions or export
control laws could subject us to adverse media coverage, investigations, severe administrative, civil and possibly criminal sanctions, and expenses
related to remedial measures and legal expenses, which could materially and adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects.
There are uncertainties associated with PRC laws and regulations on virtual assets, and therefore it is not clear what liabilities, if any, we may have
relating to the loss of virtual assets by our users.
While participating on our platform, our users may acquire, purchase and accumulate certain virtual assets, such as gifts or certain statuses and
privileges. Such virtual assets can be important to users and have monetary value and, in some cases, can be cashed to actual money. However, virtual
assets may become lost for various reasons, often through unauthorized use of the account of one user by other users and occasionally through data loss
caused by delays in network service, network crashes or hacking activities. Currently, there are uncertainties
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associated with PRC laws and regulations on virtual assets. As a result, uncertainties still exist as to who the legal owner of virtual assets is, whether and
how the ownership of virtual assets is protected by law, and whether an operator of a platform would have any liability, whether in contract, tort or
otherwise, to users or other interested parties, for loss of such virtual assets. Some recent PRC court judgments ordered certain online platform operators
liable for losses of virtual assets by platform users, and have ordered online platform operators to restore the lost virtual items to users or pay damages
and losses. In case of a loss of virtual assets, we may be sued by our users and held liable for losses, which may negatively affect our reputation,
business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. We have been involved in virtual items related lawsuits in the past, and we cannot
assure you that such lawsuits will not be brought against us again in the future.
Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the new PRC Foreign Investment Law and its Implementation
Regulations and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.
On January 1, 2020, the PRC Foreign Investment Law, or the Foreign Investment Law, and the Regulations for Implementation of the Foreign
Investment Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the Implementation Regulations, came into effect and replaced the trio of prior laws regulating
foreign investment in China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law
and the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The Foreign Investment Law and
the Implementation Regulations embody an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing
international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic investments. However, since they
are relatively new, uncertainties still exist in relation to their interpretation and implementation. For instance, under the Foreign Investment Law,
“foreign investment” refers to the investment activities directly or indirectly conducted by foreign individuals, enterprises or other entities in China.
Though it does not explicitly classify contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment, there is no assurance that foreign investment via
contractual arrangement would not be interpreted as a type of indirect foreign investment activities under the definition in the future. In addition, the
definition contains a catch-all provision which includes investments made by foreign investors through means stipulated in laws or administrative
regulations or other methods prescribed by the State Council. Therefore, it still leaves leeway for future laws, administrative regulations or provisions
promulgated by the State Council to provide for contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment. In any of these cases, it will be uncertain
whether our contractual arrangements will be deemed to be in violation of the market access requirements for foreign investment under the PRC laws
and regulations. Furthermore, if future laws, administrative regulations or provisions prescribed by the State Council mandate further actions to be taken
by companies with respect to existing contractual arrangements, we may face substantial uncertainties as to whether we can complete such actions in a
timely manner, or at all.
If any of our VIEs would be deemed as foreign invested enterprise under any such future laws, administrative regulations or provisions and any of
our business would be included in any negative list or other form of restrictions on foreign investment, we may need to take further actions to comply
with such future laws, administrative regulations or provisions. Such actions may have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial
condition, result of operations and prospects. If we or any of our VIEs is found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws, administrative
regulations or provisions, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have
broad discretion to take corresponding action regarding such violations or failures to such entities, such as:
•
•
•
order to immediately terminate prohibited investment activities and to take certain measures to return to the pre-investment status;
order to rectify within prescribed period and to take necessary measures to comply with such laws, administrative regulations or
provisions;
revocation of such entities’ business licenses and/or operating licenses;
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•
•
•
•
shutting down of our website, or discontinuance or restriction on any transactions between certain of our PRC subsidiaries with them;
fines, confiscation of the income from our PRC subsidiaries or VIEs, or other requirements with which we or our VIEs may not be able to
comply;
order to restructure our ownership structure, corporate governance and business operations, including terminating the contractual
arrangements with our VIEs and deregistering the equity pledges of our VIEs, which in turn would affect our ability to consolidate, derive
economic interests from, or impose effective control over our VIEs; or
restriction or prohibition on our use of the proceeds of any financing outside PRC to finance our business operations in PRC, and other
regulatory or enforcement actions that could be harmful to our business.
Any of the above penalties may result in a material and adverse effect on our business operation. In addition, if the PRC regulatory authorities
were to find our legal structure and contractual arrangements to be in violation of any PRC laws, administrative regulations or provisions, we are
uncertain what impact of above PRC regulatory authorities’ actions would have on us and our ability to consolidate our VIEs in the consolidated
financial statement. If any of these regulatory actions result in us losing our right to direct the activities of our VIEs or to receive substantially all the
economic benefits and residual returns from our VIEs and we are not able to restructure our ownership structure and operations in a satisfactory manner,
we would no longer be able to consolidate the financial results of our VIEs in the consolidated financial statements. Any of the above results, or any
other significant unfavorable actions that might be imposed on us in this event, would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results
of operations and prospects. Failure to take timely and appropriate measures to cope with any of these or similar regulatory compliance challenges could
materially and adversely affect our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.
It may be difficult for overseas regulators to conduct investigation or collect evidence within China.
Shareholder claims or regulatory investigation that are common in the United States generally are difficult to pursue as a matter of law or
practicality in China. For example, in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to providing information needed for regulatory investigations
or litigation initiated outside China. Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with the securities regulatory
authorities of another country or region to implement cross-border supervision and administration, such cooperation with the securities regulatory
authorities in the Unities States may not be efficient in the absence of mutual and practical cooperation mechanism. Furthermore, according to Article
177 of the PRC Securities Law, or Article 177, which became effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct
investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of the PRC. While detailed interpretation of or implementation rules under Article 177
have yet to be promulgated, the inability for an overseas securities regulator to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within
China may further increase difficulties faced by you in protecting your interests. See also “—Risks Related to Our ADSs—Certain judgments obtained
against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.” for risks associated with investing in us as a Cayman Islands company.
We may be subject to liability for information displayed on or linked to our websites, mobile apps, Smart Mini Program or Managed Page and
negative publicity in international media and our business may be adversely affected as a result.
The PRC government has adopted regulations governing internet access and distribution of news and other information over the internet. Under
these regulations, internet content providers and internet publishers are prohibited from posting or displaying over the internet content that, among other
things, violates PRC laws and regulations, impairs the national dignity of China, contains terrorism or extremism content, or is reactionary,
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obscene, superstitious, fraudulent or defamatory. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the revocation of licenses to provide internet
content and other licenses and the closure of the concerned websites. In the past, failure to comply with these requirements has resulted in the closure of
certain websites. The website operator may also be held liable for the information displayed on or linked to the website or the mobile apps.
In particular, the MIIT has published regulations that subject website operators to potential liability for content displayed on their websites or
mobile apps and the actions of users and others using their systems, including liability for violations of PRC laws and regulations prohibiting the
dissemination of content deemed to be socially destabilizing. The Ministry of Public Security has the authority to order any local internet service
provider to block any internet website at its sole discretion. From time to time, the Ministry of Public Security has stopped the dissemination over the
internet of information which it believes to be socially destabilizing. The State Secrecy Bureau is also authorized to block any website it deems to be
leaking state secrets or failing to meet the relevant regulations relating to the protection of state secrets in the dissemination of online information.
Furthermore, we are required to report any suspicious content to relevant governmental authorities, and to undergo computer security inspections. If we
fail to implement the relevant safeguards against security breaches, our websites may be shut down and our business and ICP licenses may be revoked.
In addition, the CAC has, from time to time, also issued rules enhancing the internet service provider’s obligations to monitor information displayed on
its information platform and prevent dissemination of illegal contents. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations
—Regulations on Value-Added Telecommunications Services and Internet Content Services—Regulations on Content.”
The Anti-Terrorism Law, which took effect on January 1, 2016 and was amended on April 27, 2018, further requires internet service providers to
verify the identity of their users, and to not provide services to anyone whose identity is unclear or who declines verification. Although the identity
verification requirements are already embodied in some internet related regulations, the Anti-Terrorism Law extends these requirements to all types of
internet services. The internet service providers are also required to provide technical interfaces, decryption and other technical support and assistance
for the competent departments to prevent and investigate terrorist activities. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—
Regulations—Regulations on Information Security.” for more details.
Although we attempt to monitor the content in our search results, mobile apps, online communities such as Baidu Post, Smart Mini Programs and
Managed Page, we are not able to control or restrict the content of other internet content providers linked to or accessible through our websites, mobile
apps, or content generated or placed on our Baidu Post message boards, mini programs, Managed Page, or our other online communities by our users.
To the extent that PRC regulatory authorities find any content displayed on our websites or mobile apps illegal, they may require us to limit or eliminate
the dissemination of such information on our websites or mobile apps. To the extent that PRC regulatory authorities find any content displayed on our
websites or mobile apps objectionable, they may suggest that we limit or eliminate the dissemination of such information on our websites or mobile
apps. If third-party websites linked to or accessible through our websites or mini programs accessible through our mobile apps conduct unlawful
activities such as online gambling, PRC regulatory authorities may require us to report such unlawful activities to relevant authorities and to remove the
links to such websites or mobile apps, or they may suspend or shut down the operation of these third-party websites. PRC regulatory authorities may
also temporarily block access to certain websites or mobile apps for a period of time for reasons beyond our control. Any of these actions may reduce
our user traffic and adversely affect our business. In addition, we have been and may be subject to penalties in the future for violations of those
regulations arising from information displayed on or linked to our websites or mobile apps, including a suspension or shutdown of our online operations.
For example, in April 2020, we were approached and inquired by the CAC with respect to the display and dissemination of vulgar contents and
insufficient content monitoring on the public accounts on Baidu App. As a consequence, our Baidu App was ordered to suspend any updates for over
two weeks before updates resumed to normal. Although we will make our best efforts to closely monitor and filter the contents displayed and
disseminated on our Baidu App and other products, we cannot assure you that incidents of similar type would not take place in the future.
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Moreover, our compliance with PRC regulations governing internet access and distribution of news and other information over the internet may
subject us to negative publicity or even legal actions outside of China. In May 2011, eight New York residents filed a lawsuit against us before the U.S.
District Court for the Southern District of New York accusing us of aiding Chinese censorship in violation of the U.S. Constitution. In March 2014, the
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted our motion for judgment on the pleadings based upon the First Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution and dismissed with prejudice the plaintiffs’ complaint in its entirety, barring the plaintiffs from bringing an appeal or action based on the
same claim. Even though we have won the case, our reputation may continually be adversely affected among users and investors outside of China.
The discontinuation of any of the preferential income tax treatments currently available to us in the PRC could have a material and adverse effect
on our result of operations and financial condition.
Pursuant to the EIT Law, as further clarified by subsequent tax regulations implementing the EIT Law, foreign-invested enterprises and domestic
enterprises are subject to EIT at a uniform rate of 25%. Certain enterprises may benefit from a preferential tax rate of 15% under the EIT Law if they
qualify as “High and New Technology Enterprises strongly supported by the state,” subject to certain general factors described in the EIT Law and the
related regulations.
A number of our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities, such as Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., or Baidu
Online, and Baidu Netcom are entitled to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15% due to their qualification as “High and New Technology Enterprise,”
which has a term of three years. If any or some of these PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities fail to maintain the “High and New
Technology Enterprise” qualification, their applicable EIT rate will increase to 25%. Furthermore, Baidu Online was entitled to a preferential income tax
rate of 10% from 2010 to 2019 due to its “Key Software Enterprise” status, so was Baidu China for 2015 to 2019, and Baidu International Technology
(Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., or Baidu International, for 2016 to 2019. Baidu Online, Baidu China and Baidu International will file with the local tax authority
for the preferential tax rate of 10% for a “Key Software Enterprise” for 2020 before the end of May 2021, and will be subject to relevant governmental
authorities’ assessment. However, there is no assurance that any of these entities will continue to enjoy the preferential tax rate as a “Key Software
Enterprise.” See “Item 5.A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Taxation—PRC Enterprise Income Tax.”
The discontinuation of any of the above-mentioned preferential income tax treatments currently available to us in the PRC could have a material
and adverse effect on our result of operations and financial condition. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our current effective tax rate
in the future.
If our PRC subsidiaries declare and distribute dividends to their respective offshore parent companies, we will be required to pay more taxes, which
could have a material and adverse effect on our result of operations.
Under the EIT Law and related regulations, dividends, interests, rent or royalties payable by a foreign-invested enterprise, such as our PRC
subsidiaries, to any of its foreign non-resident enterprise investors, and proceeds from any such foreign enterprise investor’s disposition of assets (after
deducting the net value of such assets) are subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless the foreign enterprise investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a
tax treaty with China that provides for a reduced rate of withholding tax. Undistributed profits earned by foreign-invested enterprises prior to January 1,
2008 are exempted from any withholding tax. The British Virgin Islands, where Baidu Holdings Limited, the direct parent company of our PRC
subsidiaries Baidu Online and Baidu International, is incorporated, does not have such a tax treaty with China. Hong Kong has a tax arrangement with
China that provides for a 5% withholding tax on dividends subject to certain conditions and requirements, such as the requirement that the Hong Kong
resident enterprise own at least 25% of the PRC enterprise distributing the dividend at all times within the 12-month period immediately preceding the
distribution of dividends and be a “beneficial owner” of the dividends. For example, Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, which directly owns our PRC
subsidiaries Baidu China and Baidu Times, is incorporated in Hong Kong.
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However, if Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited is not considered to be a Hong Kong tax resident enterprise or the beneficial owner of dividends paid or to be
paid to it by Baidu China and Baidu Times under the tax circulars promulgated in February 2009 and 2018, such dividends would be subject to
withholding tax at a rate of 10%. See “Item 5.A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Taxation—PRC Enterprise
Income Tax.” If our PRC subsidiaries further declare and distribute profits earned after January 1, 2008 to us in the future, such payments will be subject
to withholding tax, which will further increase our tax liability and reduce the amount of cash available to our company.
We may be deemed a PRC resident enterprise under the EIT Law, which could subject us to PRC taxation on our global income, and which may
have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations.
Under the EIT Law and related regulations, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with “de facto management body” within the PRC is
considered a PRC resident enterprise and is subject to the EIT at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income as well as PRC EIT reporting obligations. The
related regulations define the term “de facto management body” as “the establishment that exercises substantial and overall management and control
over the production, business, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise.” The State Administration of Taxation issued the Notice Regarding
the Determination of Chinese-Controlled Offshore-Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprises on the basis of de facto management
bodies, issued on April 22, 2009 and further amended on December 29, 2017, or the SAT Circular 82 in April 2009, which provides certain specific
criteria for determining whether the “de facto management body” of a Chinese-controlled overseas-incorporated enterprise is located in China. The State
Administration of Taxation issued additional rules to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82 in July 2011, and issued an
amendment to SAT Circular 82 delegating the authority to its provincial branches to determine whether a Chinese-controlled overseas-incorporated
enterprise should be considered a PRC resident enterprise, in January 2014. See “Item 5.A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating
Results—Taxation—PRC Enterprise Income Tax.” Although the SAT Circular 82, the additional guidance and amendment apply only to overseas
registered enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises, not to those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the criteria set forth in SAT Circular 82
may reflect the State Administration of Taxation’s general position on how the “de facto management body” test should be applied in determining the
tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises or individuals. If we are deemed a PRC resident
enterprise, we may be subject to the EIT at 25% on our global income, except that the dividends we receive from our PRC subsidiaries may be exempt
from the EIT to the extent such dividends are deemed as “dividends among qualified PRC resident enterprises.” If we are deemed a PRC resident
enterprise and earn income other than dividends from our PRC subsidiaries, a 25% EIT on our global income could significantly increase our tax burden
and materially and adversely affect our cash flow and profitability.
Under PRC tax laws, dividends payable by us and gains on the disposition of our shares or ADSs may be subject to PRC taxation.
If we are considered a PRC resident enterprise under the EIT Law, our shareholders and ADS holders who are deemed non-resident enterprises
may be subject to the EIT at the rate of 10% upon the dividends payable by us or upon any gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs, if
such income is deemed derived from China, provided that (i) such foreign enterprise investor has no establishment or premises in China, or (ii) it has
establishment or premises in China but its income derived from China has no real connection with such establishment or premises. If we are required
under the EIT Law to withhold PRC income tax on our dividends payable to our non-PRC resident enterprise shareholders and ADS holders, or if any
gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs by our non-PRC resident enterprise shareholders and ADS holders are subject to the EIT, your
investment in our shares or ADSs could be materially and adversely affected.
Furthermore, if we are considered a PRC resident enterprise and relevant PRC tax authorities consider dividends we pay with respect to our shares
or ADSs and the gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs to be income derived from sources within the PRC, it is possible that such
dividends and gains earned by
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non-resident individuals may be subject to PRC individual income tax at a rate of 20%. If we are required under PRC tax laws to withhold PRC income
tax on dividends payable to our non-PRC investors that are non-resident individuals or if you are required to pay PRC income tax on the transfer of our
shares or ADSs, the value of your investment in our shares or ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.
Our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities in China are subject to restrictions on paying dividends and making other payments to our
holding company.
Baidu, Inc. is our holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. As a result of the holding company structure, it currently relies on
dividend payments from our subsidiaries in China. However, PRC regulations currently permit payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits, as
determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities in China are also required
to set aside a portion of their after-tax profits according to PRC accounting standards and regulations to fund certain reserve funds. The PRC
government also imposes controls on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of foreign currencies out of China. We may
experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency. See “—Governmental control of
currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.” Furthermore, if our subsidiaries or consolidated affiliated entities in China incur debt on
their own in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments. If our subsidiaries and
consolidated affiliated entities in China are unable to pay dividends or make other payments to us, we may be unable to pay dividends on our ordinary
shares and ADSs.
Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of foreign
currency out of China. We receive most of our revenues in RMB. Under our current structure, our income at the Cayman Islands holding company level
will primarily be derived from dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of
our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise
satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including
profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from trade-related transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from
the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from appropriate
government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the
repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign currencies
for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency
demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders or ADS holders.
PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion
may delay or prevent us from making loans to our PRC subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities and certain related parties, or making additional
capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could adversely affect our ability to fund and expand our business.
Baidu, Inc. is our offshore holding company conducting operations in China through our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities. We
may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries.
Loans by Baidu, Inc. or any of our offshore subsidiaries to our PRC subsidiaries, which are treated as foreign-invested enterprises under PRC law, or to
our consolidated affiliated entities are subject to PRC regulations and foreign exchange loan registrations. Such loans to any of our PRC subsidiaries and
consolidated affiliated entities to finance their
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activities cannot exceed a statutory upper limit and must be filed with SAFE through the online filing system of SAFE pursuant to the applicable PRC
regulations. We may also decide to finance our PRC subsidiaries by means of capital contributions, in which case the PRC subsidiary is required to
register the details of the capital contribution with the local branch of SAMR and submit a report on the capital contribution via the online enterprise
registration system to the Ministry of Commerce. Meanwhile, we are not likely to finance the activities of our consolidated affiliated entities by means
of capital contributions given the PRC legal restrictions on foreign ownership of internet, value-added telecommunication-based online marketing,
online audio and video services and mobile app distribution businesses. We have also entered into several loan agreements with Du Xiaoman, our
related party. Please refer to “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Transactions with Related
Parties—Du Xiaoman”.
In May 2014, SAFE promulgated the Provisions on the Foreign Exchange Administration Rules on Cross-border Guarantee, which, along with the
PRC Foreign Currency Administration Rules, provides that failure to register a cross-border guarantee may subject the violator to order to rectify,
warning and a fine no more than RMB300,000. In June 2016, SAFE promulgated SAFE Circular No. 16, which removed certain restrictions previously
provided under several SAFE circulars, including SAFE Circular No. 19, in respect of conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign currency
registered capital into RMB and use of such RMB capital. However, SAFE Circular No. 16 continues to prohibit foreign-invested enterprises from,
among other things, using RMB fund converted from its foreign exchange capitals for expenditure beyond its business scope, and providing loans to
non-affiliated enterprises except as permitted in the business scope. On October 23, 2019, the SAFE issued the Circular on Further Promoting Cross-
border Trade and Investment Facilitation, or SAFE Circular 28. Among others, SAFE Circular 28 relaxes prior restrictions and allows foreign-invested
enterprises that do not have equity investments in their approved business scope to use their capital obtained from foreign exchange settlement to make
domestic equity investments as long as the investments are real and in compliance with the foreign investment-related laws and regulations.
In light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies,
including SAFE Rules and Circulars referred to above, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or
filings on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to existing and future loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities and certain
related parties or additional capital contributions by us to our PRC subsidiaries, and conversion of such loans or capital contributions into RMB. If we
fail to complete such registrations or filings, our ability to capitalize or otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could
adversely affect our ability to fund and expand our business.
PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may limit our ability to inject capital into our
PRC subsidiaries, limit our subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect us.
The Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC Residents to Engage in Financing and Inbound Investment
via Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular No. 75, and a series of implementation rules and guidance issued by SAFE, including the
circular relating to operating procedures that came into effect in July 2011, require PRC residents and PRC corporate entities to register with local
branches of SAFE in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment in an overseas special purpose vehicle, or SPV, for the purposes of
overseas equity financing activities, and to update such registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to that offshore company. SAFE
promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and
Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular No. 37, on July 4, 2014, which replaced the SAFE Circular No. 75. SAFE
Circular No. 37 requires PRC residents to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of an
offshore entity, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents’ legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic
enterprises or offshore assets or interests, referred to in SAFE Circular No. 37 as a “special
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purpose vehicle.” The term “control” under SAFE Circular No. 37 is broadly defined as the operation rights, beneficiary rights or decision-making rights
acquired by the PRC residents in the offshore special purpose vehicles or PRC companies by such means as acquisition, trust, proxy, voting rights,
repurchase, convertible bonds or other arrangements. SAFE Circular No. 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any changes
with respect to the basic information of the special purpose vehicle, such as changes in a PRC resident individual shareholder, name or operation period;
or any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as increase or decrease of capital contributed by PRC individuals, share
transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event. If the shareholders of the offshore holding company who are PRC residents do not
complete their registration with the local SAFE branches, the PRC subsidiaries may be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any
reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to the offshore company, and the offshore company may be restricted in its ability to contribute
additional capital to its PRC subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with SAFE registration and amendment requirements described above could
result in liability under PRC law for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions. On February 28, 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further
Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, which became effective on June 1,
2015. In accordance with SAFE Notice 13, entities and individuals are required to apply for foreign exchange registration of foreign direct investment
and overseas direct investment, including those required under the SAFE Circular No. 37, with qualified banks, instead of SAFE. The qualified banks,
under the supervision of SAFE, directly examine the applications and conduct the registration.
In addition, our shareholders who are PRC entities shall complete their overseas direct investment filings according to applicable laws and
regulations regarding the overseas direct investment by PRC entities, including certificates, filings or registrations with the MOFCOM and the National
Development and Reform Commission, or the NDRC, or the local branch of the MOFCOM and NDRC based on the investment amount, invested
industry or other factors thereof, and shall also update or apply for amendment in respect to the certificates, filings or registrations in the event of any
significant changes with respect to the offshore investment.
We have notified holders of ordinary shares of our company whom we know are PRC residents to register with the local SAFE branch and update
their registrations as required under the SAFE regulations described above. We are aware that Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, our chairman, chief executive
officer and principal shareholder, who is a PRC resident, has registered, and updated registration when required, with the relevant local SAFE branch.
We, however, cannot provide any assurances that all of our shareholders or ADS holders who are PRC residents will file all applicable registrations or
update previously filed registrations as required by these SAFE regulations. The failure or inability of our PRC resident shareholders to comply with the
registration procedures or other applicable PRC regulations may subject the PRC resident shareholders to fines and legal sanctions, restrict our cross-
border investment activities, or limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to or obtain foreign exchange-dominated loans from our
company.
As it is uncertain how the SAFE regulations described above will be interpreted or implemented, we cannot predict how these regulations will
affect our business operations or future strategy. For example, we may be subject to more stringent review and approval process with respect to our
foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign currency-denominated borrowings, which may adversely affect our results of
operations and financial condition. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such
company will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the SAFE regulations. This may
restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.
Failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock ownership plans or share option plans may
subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.
In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notices on Issues concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals
Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly-Listed
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Company, or the Stock Option Rule, replacing the earlier rules promulgated in March 2007. Under the Stock Option Rule, PRC residents who are
granted stock options by an overseas publicly listed company are required, through a PRC agent or PRC subsidiary of such overseas publicly listed
company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other procedures. We and our PRC resident employees who have been granted stock options are
subject to these regulations. We have designated our PRC subsidiary Baidu Online to handle the registration and other procedures required by the Stock
Option Rule. However, if we or our PRC optionees fail to comply with these regulations on a timely basis, we or our PRC optionees and their local
employers may be subject to fines and legal sanctions.
PRC regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions conducted by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult for us to
pursue growth through acquisitions in China.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in August
2006 and amended in June 2009, among other things, established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition
activities by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex. In addition, the Implementing Rules Concerning Security Review on the Mergers and
Acquisitions by Foreign Investors of Domestic Enterprises, or the Rules Concerning Security Review on M&A, issued by the Ministry of Commerce in
August 2011, specify that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors involved in “an industry related to national security” are subject to strict review
by the Ministry of Commerce, and prohibit any activities attempting to bypass such security review, including by structuring the transaction through a
proxy or contractual control arrangement. We believe that our business is not in an industry related to national security, but we cannot preclude the
possibility that the competent PRC government authorities may publish explanations contrary to our understanding or broaden the scope of such security
reviews in the future, in which case our future acquisitions and investment in the PRC, including those by way of entering into contractual control
arrangements with target entities, may be closely scrutinized or prohibited. Moreover, according to the Anti-Monopoly Law, the SMAR shall be notified
in advance of any concentration of undertaking if certain filing thresholds are triggered. We may grow our business in part by directly acquiring
complementary businesses in China. Complying with the requirements of the laws and regulations mentioned above and other PRC regulations to
complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the SMAR, may delay or
inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share. Our ability to
expand our business or maintain or expand our market share through future acquisitions would as such be materially and adversely affected.
In December 2020, the NDRC and the Ministry of Commerce promulgated the Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investment, which
came into effect on January 18, 2021. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on Foreign
Investment.” for more details. As these measures are recently promulgated, official guidance has not been issued by the designated office in charge of
such security review yet. At this stage, the interpretation of those measures remains unclear in many aspects such as what would constitute “important
information technology and internet services and products” and whether these measures may apply to foreign investment that is implemented or
completed before the enactment of these new measures. As our business may be deemed to constitute the foregoing circumstances, we cannot assure you
that our current business operations will remain fully compliant, or we can adapt our business operations to new regulatory requirements on a timely
basis, or at all.
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The auditor of our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report, like other independent registered public accounting firms
operating in China, is not permitted to be subject to inspection by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or PCAOB, and
consequently, you are deprived of the benefits of such inspection. In addition, various legislative and regulatory developments related to U.S.-listed
China-based companies due to lack of PCAOB inspection and other developments due to political tensions between the United States and China may
have a material adverse impact on our listing and trading in the U.S. and the trading prices of our ADSs.
The auditor of our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report is registered with the PCAOB. Pursuant to laws in the United
States, the PCAOB has authority to conduct regular inspections over independent registered public accounting firms registered with the PCAOB to
assess their compliance with the applicable professional standards. The auditor is located in China, a jurisdiction which does not allow the PCAOB to
conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities. As a result, we understand that our auditor is not currently inspected by the
PCAOB.
In May 2013, the PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the China
Securities Regulation Commission, or the CSRC, and the Ministry of Finance, which establishes a cooperative framework between the parties for the
production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations undertaken by PCAOB, the CSRC or the Ministry of Finance in the United States
and the PRC, respectively. The PCAOB continues to discuss with the CSRC, and the Ministry of Finance on joint inspections in the PRC of PCAOB-
registered audit firms that provide auditing services to Chinese companies that trade on U.S. stock exchanges.
On December 7, 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement highlighting continued challenges faced by the U.S. regulators in their
oversight of financial statement audits of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China. However, it remains unclear what further actions
the SEC and the PCAOB will take to address the problem. On April 21, 2020, the SEC and the PCAOB issued another joint statement reiterating the
greater risk of insufficient disclosures from companies in many emerging markets, including China, compared to those from U.S. domestic companies.
In discussing the specific issues related to these greater risk, the statement again highlighted the PCAOB’s inability to inspect audit work and practices
of accounting firms in China with respect to U.S. reporting companies.
On June 4, 2020, the then U.S. President issued a memorandum ordering the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets, or the PWG, to
submit a report to the President within 60 days of the memorandum that includes recommendations for actions that can be taken by the executive branch
and by the SEC or PCAOB on Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges and their audit firms. On August 6, 2020, the PWG released the report.
In particular, with respect to jurisdictions that do not grant the PCAOB sufficient access to fulfill its statutory mandate, or NCJs, the PWG recommends
that enhanced listing standards be applied to companies from NCJs for seeking initial listing and remaining listed on U.S. stock exchanges. Under the
enhanced listing standards, if the PCAOB does not have access to work papers of the principal audit firm located in a NCJ for the audit of a U.S.-listed
company as a result of governmental restrictions, the U.S.-listed company may satisfy this standard by providing a co-audit from an audit firm with
comparable resources and experience where the PCAOB determines that it has sufficient access to the firm’s audit work papers and practices to inspect
the co-audit. The report permits the new listing standards to provide for a transition period until January 1, 2022 for listed companies, but would apply
immediately to new listings once the necessary rulemakings and/or standard-setting are effective. After this transition period, if currently listed
companies were unable to meet the enhanced listing standards, then they would become subject to securities exchange rules and processes that could
lead to possible de-listing if not cured, deregistration from the SEC and/or other risks, which may materially and adversely affect the market price and
liquidity of such companies’ securities, or effectively terminate their trading in the United States. The measures in the PWG Report are presumably
subject to the standard SEC rulemaking process before becoming effective. It is uncertain whether the PWG recommendations will be adopted, in whole
or in part, and the impact of any new rule on us cannot be estimated at this time.
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Inspections of other firms that PCAOB has conducted outside of China have identified deficiencies in those firms’ audit procedures and quality
control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. The lack of the PCAOB inspections in
China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of the auditor of our consolidated financial statements included
in this document and our annual reports on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. As a result, we and investors in our ordinary shares are deprived of the
benefits of such PCAOB inspections, which could cause investors and potential investors in our stock to lose confidence in our audit procedures and
reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.
As part of a continued regulatory focus in the United States on access to audit and other information currently protected by national law, in
particular China’s, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the Act, has been enacted in December 2020. In essence, the Act requires the
SEC to prohibit foreign companies from having its securities traded on U.S. securities exchanges or “over-the-counter” if a company retains a foreign
accounting firm that cannot be inspected by the PCAOB for three consecutive years, beginning in 2021. The enactment of Act and any additional
rulemaking efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information in China could cause investor uncertainty for affected SEC registrants,
including us, the market price of our ADSs could be materially adversely affected, and our ADSs could be delisted if we are unable to meet the PCAOB
inspection requirement in time.
In addition, political tensions between the United States and China have escalated due to, among other things, trade disputes, the COVID-19
outbreak, sanctions imposed by the U.S. Department of Treasury on certain officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the central
government of the PRC and the executive orders issued by then U.S. President Donald J. Trump in August 2020 that prohibit certain transactions with
certain Chinese companies and their applications. Rising political tensions could reduce levels of trades, investments, technological exchanges and other
economic activities between the two major economies, which would have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of
global financial markets. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of
operations.
Proceedings instituted by the SEC against certain PRC-based accounting firms, including the auditor of our consolidated financial statements
included in this annual report, could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
In December 2012, the SEC brought administrative proceedings against five accounting firms in China, including the auditor of our consolidated
financial statements included in this annual report, alleging that they had refused to produce audit work papers and other documents related to certain
other China-based companies under investigation by the SEC. On January 22, 2014, an initial administrative law decision was issued, censuring these
accounting firms and suspending four of these firms from practicing before the SEC for a period of six months. The decision is neither final nor legally
effective unless and until reviewed and approved by the SEC. On February 12, 2014, four of these PRC-based accounting firms appealed to the SEC
against this decision. In February 2015, each of the four PRC-based accounting firms agreed to a censure and to pay a fine to the SEC to settle the
dispute and avoid suspension of their ability to practice before the SEC. The settlement requires the firms to follow detailed procedures to seek to
provide the SEC with access to Chinese firms’ audit documents via the CSRC. If the firms fail to meet specified criteria, during a period of four years
starting from the settlement date, the SEC retains authority to impose a variety of additional remedial measures on the firms depending on the nature of
the failure. Additional remedies for any future noncompliance could include, as appropriate, an automatic six-month bar on a single firm’s performance
of certain audit work, commencement of additional proceedings against a firm, or in extreme cases the resumption of the current proceeding against all
four firms.
The audit committee is aware of the policy restriction and regularly communicated with our independent auditor to ensure compliance. If
additional remedial measures are imposed on the China-based “big four”
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accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, in administrative proceedings brought by the SEC alleging the firms’
failure to meet specific criteria set by the SEC with respect to requests for the production of documents, we could be unable to timely file future
financial statements in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. The settlement did not require the firms to admit to any violation of law
and preserves the firms’ legal defenses in the event the administrative proceeding is restarted.
In the event that the SEC restarts the administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the United States with
major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operations in the PRC, which could result in financial
statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, including possible delisting. Moreover, any negative
news about the proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainty regarding China-based, United States-listed companies and the
market price of our ADSs may be adversely affected.
If the auditor of our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report were denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before
the SEC and we were unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our
financial statements could be determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such a determination could ultimately lead
to our delisting from the Nasdaq Global Select Market or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively
terminate the trading of our ADSs in the United States.
Fluctuation in exchange rates could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, is based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China. The value of
Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by changes in China’s political and economic conditions and by China’s foreign
exchange policies, among other things. We cannot assure you that Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S.
dollar in the future. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between Renminbi and
the U.S. dollar in the future.
Our revenues and costs are mostly denominated in RMB. Any significant revaluation of RMB may materially and adversely affect our cash flows,
revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, our ADSs in U.S. dollars. For example, to the extent that we
need to convert U.S. dollars into RMB for our operations, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the RMB
amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for
dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs, repaying our U.S. dollar denominated notes or other payment obligations or for other business purposes,
appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. In addition, appreciation or
depreciation in the value of the RMB relative to U.S. dollars would affect our financial results reported, regardless of any underlying change in our
business or results of operations, as RMB is our reporting currency. For example, an appreciation of RMB against the U.S. dollar would result in foreign
currency translation losses for financial reporting purposes when we translate our U.S. dollar denominated financial assets into RMB, our reporting
currency, and foreign exchange losses reported in earnings for certain RMB denominated loans that overseas entities borrowed from our PRC entities.
Conversely, a depreciation of RMB against the U.S. dollar would result in foreign currency translation losses for financial reporting purposes when we
translate our U.S. dollar denominated notes and other indebtedness into RMB. Moreover, a significant depreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar
may significantly reduce our earnings translated in the U.S. dollars, which in turn could adversely affect the price of our ADSs.
Very limited hedging options are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any
hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in
the future, the availability and
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effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange
losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into foreign currency. As a result, fluctuations in
exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on your investment.
We face uncertainties with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.
Enhanced scrutiny over acquisition transactions by the PRC tax authorities may have a negative impact on potential acquisitions we may pursue in
the future.
In February 2015, the State Administration of Tax issued a Public Notice Regarding Certain Corporate Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of
Properties by Non-Tax Resident Enterprises, or Public Notice 7. Public Notice 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to not only indirect transfers but also
transactions involving transfer of other taxable assets, through the offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. Public Notice 7 also
brings challenges to both the foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of the taxable assets. Where a
non-resident enterprise conducts an “indirect transfer” by transferring the taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas
holding company, the non-resident enterprise being the transferor, or the transferee, or the PRC entity which directly owned the taxable assets may
report to the relevant tax authority such indirect transfer. Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may re-characterize such
indirect transfer as a direct transfer of the equity interests in the PRC tax resident enterprise and other properties in China. As a result, gains derived
from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is
obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of up to 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. However,
Public Notice 7 provides safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market. On
October 17, 2017, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues
Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or SAT Bulletin 37, which came into effect on December 1, 2017. SAT
Bulletin 37 further clarifies the practice and procedure of the withholding of non-resident enterprise income tax. Pursuant to Public Notice 7 and SAT
Bulletin 37, both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the
transferor fails to pay the taxes.
We face uncertainties with respect to the reporting and consequences of private equity financing transactions, share exchange or other transactions
involving the transfer of shares in our company by investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises, or sale or purchase of shares in other non-PRC
resident companies or other taxable assets by us. Our company and other non-resident enterprises in our group may be subject to filing obligations or
being taxed if our company and other non-resident enterprises in our group are transferors in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding
obligations if our company and other non-resident enterprises in our group are transferees in such transactions, under Public Notice 7 and SAT Bulletin
37. For the transfer of shares in our company by investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises, our PRC subsidiaries may be requested to assist in the
filing under Public Notice 7 and SAT Bulletin 37. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Public Notice 7 and SAT
Bulletin 37 or to request the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that our company
and other non-resident enterprises in our group should not be taxed under these circulars. The PRC tax authorities have the discretion under Public
Notice 7 and SAT Bulletin 37 to make adjustments to the taxable capital gains based on the difference between the fair value of the taxable assets
transferred and the cost of investment. If the PRC tax authorities make adjustments to the taxable income of the transactions under Public Notice 7 and
SAT Bulletin 37, our income tax costs associated with such transactions will be increased, which may have an adverse effect on our financial condition
and results of operations. We have made acquisitions in the past and may conduct additional acquisitions in the future. We cannot assure you that the
PRC tax authorities will not, at their discretion, adjust any capital gains and impose tax return filing obligations on us or require us to provide assistance
to them for the investigation of any transactions we were involved in. Heightened scrutiny over
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acquisition transactions by the PRC tax authorities may have a negative impact on potential acquisitions we may pursue in the future.
Risks Related to Our ADSs
The trading price of our ADSs has been and is likely to continue to be volatile regardless of our operating performance.
The trading price of our ADSs has been and is likely to continue to be volatile, and could fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors, many
of which are beyond our control. Factors impacting the price and trading volume of our ADSs include, but are not limited to, the following:
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations and changes or revisions of our expected results, as well as our
margins and profitability;
changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts;
conditions in internet search and online marketing markets;
changes in the operating performance or market valuations of other internet search or internet companies;
announcements by us or our competitors or other internet companies of new product-and-service offerings, acquisitions, strategic
partnerships, joint ventures, capital raisings or capital commitments;
success or failure of our new business initiatives or the development or growth of the new markets we enter into;
addition to or departure of key personnel;
public perception or negative news about our products or services or potential investments or acquisitions;
our share repurchase program;
fluctuations of exchange rates between RMB and the U.S. dollar;
litigation, government investigation or other legal or regulatory proceeding; and
general economic or political conditions in China or elsewhere in the world.
In addition, the stock market in general, and the performance and fluctuation of the market prices for internet-related companies and other
companies with operations mainly in China in particular, may affect the volatility in the prices of and trading volumes for our ADSs. The securities of
some China-based companies that have listed their securities in the United States have experienced significant volatility that often has been unrelated to
the operating performance of such companies, including, in some cases, substantial declines in the trading prices of their securities. The trading
performances of these companies’ securities may affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinese companies listed in the United States in general,
which consequently may impact the trading performance of our ADSs, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, any negative news or
perceptions about inadequate corporate governance practices or fraudulent accounting, corporate structure or other matters of other Chinese companies
may also negatively affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinese companies in general, including us, regardless of whether we have engaged in any
inappropriate activities. In particular, the global financial crisis, the ensuing economic recessions and deterioration in the credit market in many
countries have contributed and may continue to contribute to extreme volatility in the global stock markets. These broad market and industry
fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our ADSs. Volatility or a lack of positive performance in our ADS price may also adversely affect
our ability to retain key employees, most of whom have been granted options or other equity incentives.
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Substantial future sales or perceived potential sales of our ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.
Sales of our ADSs in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our ADSs to decline. Such
sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate. If any
existing shareholder or shareholders sell a substantial amount of ADSs, the prevailing market price for our ADSs could be adversely affected. In
addition, if we pay for our future acquisitions in whole or in part with additionally issued ordinary shares, your ownership interests in our company
would be diluted and this, in turn, could have a material and adverse effect on the price of our ADSs.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our
ADSs and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our ADSs will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our
business. If research analysts do not maintain adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our ADSs or
publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our ADSs would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts
cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the
market price of or trading volume for our ADSs to decline.
Techniques employed by short sellers may drive down the market price of our listed securities.
Short selling is the practice of selling securities that a seller does not own but rather has borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying
identical securities back at a later date to return to the lender. Short sellers hope to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of
the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as short sellers expect to pay less in that purchase than they received in the sale. As
it is in short sellers’ interest for the price of the security to decline, many short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions and
allegations regarding the relevant issuer and its business prospects in order to create negative market momentum and generate profits for themselves
after selling a security short. These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market.
Public companies listed in the United States that have substantially all of their operations in China have been the subject of short selling. Much of
the scrutiny and negative publicity has centered on allegations of a lack of effective internal control over financial reporting resulting in financial and
accounting irregularities and mistakes, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud.
As a result, many of these companies are now conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations and, in the interim, are subject to
shareholder lawsuits and/or SEC enforcement actions.
iQIYI was subject to allegations made in the short seller report published by Wolfpack Research. See “Item 8.A. Financial Information—
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.” In November 2020, we entered into definitive agreements with JOYY
Inc. and certain of its affiliates to acquire YY Live. Muddy Waters published a short selling report on November 18, 2020 against JOYY Inc. Based on
public records, JOYY Inc. and certain of its current and former officers and directors were named as defendants in a federal putative securities class
action filed in November 2020 alleging that they made material misstatements and omissions in documents filed with the SEC regarding certain of the
allegations contained in the Muddy Waters short seller report. See “—We face risks associated with our acquisition of YY Live and its online live
streaming business.” We may also become the subject of other short seller attacks from time to time in the future and class actions or regulatory
enforcement actions derivative of such short seller attacks or actions of a similar nature. Any such allegations may be followed by periods of instability
in the market price of our ordinary shares and ADSs and negative publicity. If and when we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether
such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we may have to expend a
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significant amount of resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend ourselves, including in connection with class actions or regulatory
enforcement actions derivative of such allegations. While we would strongly defend against any such short seller attacks, we may be constrained in the
manner in which we can proceed against the relevant short sellers by principles of freedom of speech, applicable state law or issues of commercial
confidentiality. Such a situation could be costly and time-consuming, and could divert management’s attention from the day-to-day operations of our
company. Even if such allegations are ultimately proven to be groundless, allegations against us could severely impact the market price of our securities
and our business operations.
We cannot guarantee that any share repurchase program will be fully consummated or that any share repurchase program will enhance long-term
shareholder value, and share repurchases could increase the volatility of the price of our ADSs and could diminish our cash reserves.
Our board of director have authorized a few share repurchase programs in recent years, some of which had not been fully consummated:
•
•
•
On June 26, 2018, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to US$1.0 billion of
our ADSs or ordinary shares over 12 months from June 27, 2018 through June 26, 2019.
On May 16, 2019, our board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to US$1.0 billion
of our ADSs or ordinary shares, effective until July 1, 2020.
On May 13, 2020, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to US$1.0 billion of
our ADSs or shares, effective until July 1, 2021. On August 6, 2020, our board of directors approved a change to the 2020 share repurchase
program, increasing the repurchase authorization from US$1 billion to US$3 billion and extending the effective time through
December 31, 2022. On December 8, 2020, our board of directors approved a further increase in the repurchase authorization from
US$3 billion to US$4.5 billion.
Our board of directors also has the discretion to authorize additional share repurchase programs in the future. The share repurchase programs do
not obligate us to repurchase any specific dollar amount or to acquire any specific number of ADSs. We cannot guarantee that any share repurchase
program will enhance long-term shareholder value. The share repurchase programs could affect the price of our ADSs and increase volatility and may be
suspended or terminated at any time, which may result in a decrease in the trading price of our ADSs. Furthermore, share repurchases could increase the
volatility of the price of our ADSs and could diminish our cash reserves.
Because we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future, you must rely on price appreciation of our ADSs for return on your investment.
We currently do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in our ADSs as a
source for any future dividend income.
Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution
declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. In either case, the declaration of dividend will be
subject to our memorandum and articles of association and certain restrictions under Cayman Islands law. Even if our board of directors decides to
declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations
and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition,
contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our ADSs will likely
depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our ADSs. There is no guarantee that our ADSs will appreciate in value or even maintain the price
at which you purchased the ADSs. You may not realize a return on your investment in our ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in our
ADSs.
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You may not have the same voting rights as the holders of our ordinary shares and may not receive voting materials in time to be able to exercise
your right to vote.
Except as described in this annual report and in the deposit agreement, holders of our ADSs will not be able to exercise voting rights attached to
the shares evidenced by our ADSs on an individual basis. Holders of our ADSs will appoint the depositary or its nominee as their representative to
exercise the voting rights attached to the shares represented by the ADSs. You may not receive voting materials in time to instruct the depositary to vote,
and it is possible that you, or persons who hold their ADSs through brokers, dealers or other third parties, will not have the opportunity to exercise a
right to vote. Upon our written request, the depositary will mail to you a shareholder meeting notice which contains, among other things, a statement as
to the manner in which your voting instructions may be given, including an express indication that such instructions may be given or deemed given to
the depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us if no instructions are received by the depositary from you on or before the
response date established by the depositary. However, no voting instruction will be deemed given and no such discretionary proxy will be given with
respect to any matter as to which we inform the depositary that (i) we do not wish such proxy given, (ii) substantial opposition exists, or (iii) such matter
materially and adversely affects the rights of shareholders.
You may not be able to participate in rights offerings and may experience dilution of your holdings as a result.
We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. Under the deposit agreement for the
ADSs, the depositary will not offer those rights to ADS holders unless both the rights and the underlying securities to be distributed to ADS holders are
either registered under the Securities Act of 1933, or exempt from registration under the Securities Act with respect to all holders of ADSs. We are under
no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement
to be declared effective. In addition, we may not be able to take advantage of any exemptions from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly,
holders of our ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in their holdings as a result.
You may not receive cash dividends if the depositary decides it is impractical to make them available to you.
The depositary will pay cash dividends on the ADSs only to the extent that we decide to distribute dividends on our Class A ordinary shares or
other deposited securities, and we do not have any present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. To the extent
that there is a distribution, the depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on
our Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. ADS holders will receive these distributions in proportion
to the number of Class A ordinary shares their ADSs represent. However, the depositary may, at its discretion, decide that it is inequitable or impractical
to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. In these cases, the depositary may decide not to distribute such property to holders of our
ADSs.
You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time
when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers
of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deems it advisable to do so because
of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.
We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and conduct most of our operations in China through our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated
entities in China. All of our executive officers and a majority of our
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directors reside do not reside in the United States and some or all of the assets of these persons are not located in the United States. As a result, it may
not be possible to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside of China upon our executive officers, including with respect to
matters arising under U.S. federal securities laws or applicable state securities laws.
It may also be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against our directors and executive officers in the Cayman Islands or
in China in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing
an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our
directors and executive officers.
Although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in federal or state courts of the United States (and the
Cayman Islands are not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments), a judgment obtained in such jurisdiction
will be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any re-examination of the merits of the underlying dispute,
by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment (i) is given by a foreign court
of competent jurisdiction, (ii) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (iii) is final,
(iv) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, and (v) was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to
natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. However, the Cayman Islands courts are unlikely to enforce a judgment obtained from the
U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities law if such judgment is determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands to give
rise to obligations to make payments that are penal or punitive in nature. Because such a determination has not yet been made by a court of the Cayman
Islands, it is uncertain whether such civil liability judgments from U.S. would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association and by the Cayman Islands Companies Act (2021 Revision)
and common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take legal action against our directors and us, actions by minority shareholders
and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman
Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from
English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary
duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedents in the United
States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and provides significantly less
protection to investors. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action before the federal courts
of the United States.
The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. PRC courts may recognize and
enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based either on treaties between China and the country
where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other forms of reciprocity with the
United States that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law,
the PRC courts will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our director and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of
PRC laws or national sovereignty, security or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a
judgment rendered by a court in the United States.
As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests through actions against our
management, directors or major shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States.
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Since we are a Cayman Islands exempted company, the rights of our shareholders may be more limited than those of shareholders of a company
organized in the United States.
Under the laws of some jurisdictions in the United States, majority and controlling shareholders generally have certain fiduciary responsibilities to
the minority shareholders. Shareholder action must be taken in good faith, and actions by controlling shareholders which are obviously unreasonable
may be declared null and void. Cayman Islands law protecting the interests of minority shareholders may not be as protective in all circumstances as the
law protecting minority shareholders in some U.S. jurisdictions. In addition, the circumstances in which a shareholder of a Cayman Islands company
may sue the company derivatively, and the procedures and defenses that may be available to the company, may result in the rights of shareholders of a
Cayman Islands company being more limited than those of shareholders of a company organized in the United States.
Furthermore, our directors have the power to take certain actions without shareholder approval which would require shareholder approval under
the laws of most U.S. jurisdictions. The directors of a Cayman Islands company, without shareholder approval, may implement a sale of any assets,
property, part of the business, or securities of the company. Our ability to create and issue new classes or series of shares without shareholders’ approval
could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control without any further action by our shareholders, including a tender offer to
purchase our ordinary shares at a premium over then current market prices.
Our dual-class ordinary share structure with different voting rights could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that
holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.
Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one
vote per share, while holders of Class B ordinary shares are entitled to ten votes per share. We issued Class A ordinary shares represented by our ADSs
in our initial public offering. Our co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer, Robin Yanhong Li, who acquired our shares prior to our initial public
offering, holds our Class B ordinary shares. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof,
while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any transfer of Class B ordinary shares by
a holder thereof to any person or entity which is not an affiliate (as defined in our memorandum and articles of association) of such holder, such Class B
ordinary shares will be automatically and immediately converted into the equal number of Class A ordinary shares. In addition, if at any time Robin
Yanhong Li and his affiliates (as defined in our memorandum and articles of association) collectively own less than 5% of the total number of the issued
and outstanding Class B ordinary shares, each issued and outstanding Class B ordinary share will be automatically and immediately converted into one
Class A ordinary share, and we shall not issue any Class B ordinary shares thereafter.
Due to the disparate voting powers attached to these two classes, certain shareholders have significant voting power over matters requiring
shareholder approval, including election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or sale of our company or our assets. This
concentrated control could discourage or prevent others from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions with our
company, which could deprive our shareholders and ADS holders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares or ADSs as part of a sale of
our company and might reduce the price of our ADSs.
Our articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could adversely affect the rights of holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs.
Our articles of association include certain provisions that could limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company, and therefore may
deprive the holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs of the opportunity to
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sell their ordinary shares or ADSs at a premium over the prevailing market price by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our
company in a tender offer or similar transactions. These provisions include the following:
•
•
•
A dual-class ordinary share structure.
Our board of directors has the authority, without approval by the shareholders, to issue up to a total of 800,000,000 preferred shares in one
or more series. Our board of directors may establish the number of shares to be included in each such series and may fix the designations,
preferences, powers and other rights of the shares of a series of preferred shares.
Our board of directors has the right to elect directors to fill a vacancy created by the increase of the board of directors or the resignation,
death or removal of a director, which prevents shareholders from having the sole right to fill vacancies on our board of directors.
We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequence to U.S.
Holders of our ADSs or ordinary shares.
A non-U.S. corporation, such as our own, will be considered a PFIC for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive
income or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during a taxable year) is attributable to
assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. The value of our assets is generally determined by reference to the market price of
the ADSs and ordinary shares, which may fluctuate considerably. In addition, because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules and
because PFIC status is a fact-intensive determination made on an annual basis, no assurance may be given with respect to our PFIC status for the current
or any future taxable year.
Based on the market price of our ADSs and ordinary shares, the value of our assets, and the composition of our assets and income, we believe that
we were not a PFIC for our taxable year ended December 31, 2020. However, given the lack of authority and the highly factual nature of the analyzes,
no assurance can be given. Our PFIC status for the current taxable year ending December 31, 2021 will not be determinable until the close of the taxable
year, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year (or any future taxable year).
If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder (defined below) held an ADS or an ordinary share, certain adverse
U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to the U.S. Holder. See “Item 10.E. Additional Information—Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations—Passive Foreign Investment Company.”
Item 4.
Information on the Company
A. History and Development of the Company
We were incorporated in the Cayman Islands in January 2000. Since our inception, we have conducted our operations in China principally through
Baidu Online, our wholly owned subsidiary in Beijing, China. Since June 2001, we also have conducted part of our operations in China through Baidu
Netcom, a consolidated affiliated entity in Beijing, China, which holds the licenses and approvals necessary to operate our platform and provide value-
added telecommunication-based online marketing services. In subsequent years, we have established additional subsidiaries inside and outside of China
and assisted in establishing additional PRC consolidated affiliated entities to conduct part of our operations.
On August 5, 2005, we listed our ADSs on The NASDAQ National Market (later renamed The Nasdaq Global Market) under the symbol
“BIDU.” We and certain selling shareholders of our company completed the initial public offering of 4,604,224 ADSs, each then representing one
Class A ordinary share, on August 10, 2005. On May 12, 2010, we effected a change of the ADS to Class A ordinary share ratio from 1 ADS
representing 1 Class A ordinary share to 10 ADSs representing 1 Class A ordinary share. The ratio change had the same effect as a 10-for-1 ADS split.
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In December 2008, our shareholders approved our name change from Baidu.com, Inc. to Baidu, Inc. In November 2009, we moved into our new
corporate headquarters, which we name as Baidu Campus.
In November 2012, we obtained the controlling interest in iQIYI, Inc., or iQIYI, a prior equity method investee, and have since then consolidated
its financial results into our consolidated financial statements. In May 2013, we acquired the online video business of PPStream Inc., or PPS, merged it
with iQIYI and have since then consolidated its financial results into our consolidated financial statements. In March 2018, iQIYI raised US$2.4 billion
of net proceeds through its initial public offering. iQIYI’s American Depositary Shares trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol
“IQ”. We continue to control iQIYI and consolidate its financial results into our own in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
In August 2017, our subsidiary that operated Baidu Deliveries, Xiaodu Life Technology Ltd., or Xiaodu, completed its merger with Rajax
Holding, or Rajax, which operates the food delivery business under the ele.me brand in China. As a result of the merger, Xiaodu became a subsidiary of
Rajax. We and Rajax have agreed to business cooperation across a broad base of products and services post the merger transaction. In May 2018, we
transferred all of our equity interests in Rajax, which operates the food delivery business under the ele.me brand in China, to Ali Panini Investment
Limited.
In April 2018, we entered into definitive agreements with certain investors relating to our divestiture of a majority equity stake in our financial
services business, which provides consumer credit, wealth management and other financial services and has been renamed as Du Xiaoman. The
divestiture was completed in August 2018, following which we held a minority equity interest in Du Xiaoman, which was accounted for as an equity
method investment, and have deconsolidated the financial results of Du Xiaoman from our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S.
GAAP.
In September 2020, we entered into definitive agreements for Series A financing of our smart living business, or Smart Living Group (SLG), at a
post-money valuation of approximately RMB20 billion (US$2.9 billion), with investors including CPE, Baidu Capital and IDG Capital. SLG operates
DuerOS voice assistant and DuerOS-powered smart devices. The transaction was completed in November 2020. Upon the completion of the transaction,
we continued to consolidate the financial results of SLG, as a majority shareholder.
We entered into definitive agreements with JOYY Inc. (“JOYY”) and certain of its affiliates in November 2020 and made certain amendments in
February 2021 to acquire JOYY’s domestic video-based entertainment live streaming business in China (“YY Live”), which includes YY mobile app,
YY.com website and PC YY, among others, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately US$3.6 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments. The
acquisition has been substantially completed, with certain customary matters remaining to be completed in the near future.
On March 1, 2021, our shareholders approved and effected a change to our authorized share capital by 1-to-80 subdivision of shares.
Concurrently, we effected a proportionate change in ADS to Class A ordinary share ratio from 10 ADSs representing 1 Class A ordinary share to each
ADS representing 8 Class A ordinary shares. Our ADSs are currently traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market.
Our principal executive offices are located at Baidu Campus, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, the People’s Republic
of China. Our telephone number at this address is +86 (10) 5992-8888.
B.
Business Overview
Our mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology.
We are a leading AI company with a strong Internet foundation. We have been investing in AI since 2010 to improve search and monetization, and
have used “Baidu Brain,” our core AI technology engine to develop new
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AI businesses. The breadth and depth of our AI capabilities provide the differentiating foundational technologies that power all of our businesses.
We are one of the very few companies in the world that offers a full AI stack, encompassing an infrastructure consists of AI chips, deep learning
framework, core AI capabilities, such as natural language processing, knowledge graph, speech recognition, computer vision and augmented reality, as
well as an open AI platform to facilitate wide application and use. Our technological innovation in AI has been well recognized by the global
community. For instance, ERNIE, our natural language processing framework, became the first AI model to score above 90 on GLUE (General
Language Understanding Evaluation), which is widely considered as the benchmark for testing AI language understanding, and won the SAIL (Super AI
Leader) award, the highest honorary recognition at the 2020 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. For example, we are the first to receive driverless
licenses in China and the U.S. and we are testing driverless vehicles in China.
Baidu was founded as a search engine business in 2000 with the belief that technology can change the way people discover and consume
information. At the heart of Baidu search is its ability to better understand a users’ search queries and to answer these queries by matching the most
relevant information in ranked search results. To achieve this, we continuously innovate and develop new technologies and products that enhance Baidu
search user experience. We began to use AI a decade ago to power these technologies in order to better match user search intent with the large amount of
information on the Internet. For instance, our natural language processing, an AI capability, enables the understanding of important details of a query,
particularly in complex conversational queries. This helps optimize search results returned and increase the satisfaction rate of users. Years of tagging,
understanding and intelligently processing all forms of content on the Internet—text, images and videos—with AI has helped us develop Baidu Brain,
our core AI technology engine, which in turn has enabled us to further develop leading AI technologies and commercialize them through products and
services for consumers, enterprises and the public sector. Our ability to continuously invest heavily in research and development is made possible by the
durable revenue that we generated as a leading Internet platform.
The widespread usage of our open AI platform by developers and businesses creates a network effect for our AI technologies, products and
services. The more developers and businesses use our AI models, tool kits and services, the better our AI capabilities become, which in turn further
increase the attractiveness of our AI platform to developers and business communities. This network effect helps us obtain unique insights into different
kinds of products and services that are in demand and have real-world application across different industries, setting a strong foundation for us to make
investment decisions and lead with technology, products and services in the markets that we have entered.
Our large portfolio of products and services is accessed by over one billion devices monthly, and our business spans across an ecosystem of
hundreds of millions of users, millions of developers and hundreds of thousands of enterprises. Our usage of a strong technology foundation to support
an open platform business model not only draws more participants into our ecosystem, but also adds richness and vibrancy to our ecosystem,
strengthening the long-term prospect and vitality of our business overall.
We usually start the development of a business with a strong technology platform, on which we build products and services for our customers and
users, and through an open platform architecture, we attract a wide array of partners to our ecosystem to expand the offerings to our customers and
users. The platform could then grow organically and by leveraging the power of our partners in the ecosystem, which over time feed into a virtuous
cycle.
Over the past two decades, we have demonstrated a track record for long-term growth and strong profitability, which has enabled us to invest in a
diversified portfolio of products and services with large total market opportunities and further improve our long-term growth prospects. Through years
of investment in research, AI chip design, developer community, patents and talent development, we are turning AI into innovative use cases. Powered
by AI, Baidu Core, which excludes iQIYI and contributed over 70% of our total
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revenues during 2018, 2019 and 2020, mainly provides search-based, feed based, and other online marketing services, as well as products and services
from new AI initiatives in the following three growth engines:
•
•
•
Mobile Ecosystem: a portfolio of over one dozen apps, including Baidu App, Haokan and Baidu Post, which provides an open platform that
aggregates a wide range of third-party, long-tail content and services through our AI building blocks and which helps communities connect
and share knowledge and information;
AI Cloud: a full suite of cloud services and solutions, including PaaS (platform as a service), SaaS (software as a service) and IaaS
(infrastructure as a service), and uniquely differentiated by our AI solutions; and
Intelligent Driving & Other Growth Initiatives (OGI): our growth initiatives include intelligent driving (self-driving services, including
high definition (HD) Maps, automated valet parking and autonomous navigation pilot, intelligent electric vehicles and robotaxi fleets), as
well as Xiaodu smart devices powered by DuerOS smart assistant and AI chip development.
At the core of our Mobile Ecosystem is Baidu App, which is the No. 1 search-plus-feed app in China with an MAU of 544 million in December
2020. Unlike most mobile apps, which direct traffic to a closed content ecosystem, Baidu App, through our AI building blocks, aggregates content and
services from third-party apps and websites, and directs traffic to third-party content and service providers with native-app like experience. Under an
open-platform model, Baidu App can continue to grow our huge offering of third-party content and services, by leveraging our network partners of
Baijiahao (BJH) Accounts, Smart Mini Program and Managed Page. Our decade-long experience with AI and the development of a powerful knowledge
graph allow us to match user intent with long-tail, third-party content and services on our open platform.
Our Mobile Ecosystem also includes a portfolio of over one dozen apps, including Haokan and Baidu Post, providing a platform for people to
discover and consume information through search and feed, interact and engage with creators, publishers, service providers and merchants. This
native-app like experience from user acquisition to user relationship management to closed loop transactions demonstrates our value to merchants,
enabling them to perform user life-time management on our platform, and has made Baidu App a leading online marketing services provider for both
search and feed. Within our Mobile Ecosystem, we serve half-a-million customers by enabling them to tap into our massive user base. We monetize
primarily through offering comprehensive and effective marketing services to fulfill our customers’ needs. We generate revenue primarily from
providing search, feed and other marketing services, which account for a majority of our total revenues in 2018, 2019 and 2020. We have made
extensive use of AI technologies to develop innovative marketing services, such as dynamic ads, which recommends products from our marketing
customers most fitting to each search user. Our marketing cloud also provides innovative AI capabilities to our marketing customers, so that users can
still make product inquiries during non-business hours and Baidu Brain can automatically carry a conversation with users to facilitate transactions. In
addition, the user engagement and user logins that have developed on our platform are enabling us to diversify monetization beyond online marketing
into other services, such as live broadcasting, online games and membership.
Our AI Cloud offers a full suite of cloud services and solutions, including PaaS, SaaS and IaaS, and is differentiated with our AI solutions.
Leveraging Baidu Brain, our AI solutions provide customers and developers with a comprehensive library of modularized solutions, including open
source codes, pre-trained models, end-to-end development kits, tools and components. In addition, our AI Cloud customers can leverage our large
library of key AI capabilities, such as knowledge graph, speech recognition and synthesis, natural language processing and computer vision. Our
products and services, such as EasyDL, a no-code toolkit on PaddlePaddle that helps users without programming skills build customized machine
learning models with a drag-and-drop interface, and Baidu ML Baidu machine learning, a full-featured AI development platform for AI algorithm
developers based on PaddlePaddle, make it easier for customers to use deep learning and machine learning to
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solve real world problems, and our cloud services are formulated to serve across different industries, including Internet/media, telecom, financial
services, transportation and logistics, education and manufacturing.
Our Intelligent Driving & OGI consists of promising businesses in development with huge market opportunities, and some are at early-stage
commercialization with a growing customer base. We are a market leader in intelligent driving and smart devices, and we are pursuing these large
growth opportunities by leveraging our unique AI capabilities, data insights and internally developed chips. For example, in autonomous driving, Apollo
is the market leader in China with 4.3 million accumulated test miles and 199 autonomous driving licenses across China as of December 31, 2020. Our
199 autonomous driving licenses reflect the geographic reach of Apollo testing scenarios in China, compared to the second player with approximately
20 licenses. There are currently three Apollo robotaxi pilot programs running in China.
Our strong brand and market leadership in autonomous driving has carried over to intelligent driving. Apollo is a well-recognized brand among
automakers. We have signed strategic agreements with 10 leading automakers to power their passenger vehicles with Baidu high definition (HD) Maps
and automated valet parking (AVP), and we recently announced the availability of Apollo autonomous navigation pilot (ANP). Under smart display,
Xiaodu was ranked No. 1 in shipments globally for 2019. We also develop AI chips internally customized for Baidu Brain and specific AI usages to
improve performance and costs. We believe these initiatives will strengthen our revenue drivers for long-term growth.
iQIYI produces, aggregates and distributes a wide variety of professionally produced content, as well as a broad spectrum of other entertainment-
oriented video content.
We believe we have built a large and strong portfolio of products and services to give Baidu the scale necessary to invest heavily in technology,
while optimizing our future for sustainable long-term growth. We derive significant synergies by incorporating the AI developed for search into other
parts of our business. For example, large daily use of our visual search and voice search may be used to improve Apollo computer vision and DuerOS
speech recognition capabilities.
Our operations are primarily conducted in China. For the year ended December 31, 2020, more than 97% of our group’s net revenues were
generated from China, and as of December 31, 2020, more than 75% of our group’s total assets were based in China.
Baidu Core
Baidu Core—Mobile Ecosystem
Baidu Mobile Ecosystem provides a platform for people to discover and consume information through search and feed and facilitate interaction
and engagement among users, creators, service providers, and merchants, alike. In particular, our ecosystem allows merchants, creators, publishers and
service providers to acquire users, interact with users by provide information, content, products and services, and transact with users. This marketing
funnel approach from user acquisition to user engagement to monetization demonstrates our value to merchants, allowing them to build a life-time
relationship of users. In addition, this platform-centric approach has enabled our Mobile Ecosystem to start diversifying commercialization beyond
online marketing into other services.
Products and Services for Users
Baidu App. Our flagship app enables users to access our search, feed, content and other services through mobile devices. Baidu App offers twin-
engine search and feed functions that leverage our AI-powered algorithms and deep user insight to offer users a compelling experience. Through the
building blocks of BJH accounts, Smart Mini Program and Managed Page, Baidu App provides users single log-on, native-app-like experience to a wide
range of information and services dispersed across isolated mobile apps and HTML5 websites, as well as merchants a full suite of marketing cloud
services. Baidu App’s spanning mobile ecosystem has resulted in more users logging in. In December 2020, MAUs and DAUs of Baidu App reached
544 million and 202 million, respectively.
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Baidu Search. Users can access our search and other services through Baidu’s properties and Baidu Union partners’ properties. In addition
to text inputs, users can conduct AI-powered voice search and visual search. Voice search integrates speech recognition and search
technologies to enhance the user experience by providing a more natural and convenient input modality. Visual search enables the use of
smart phone cameras to capture images and retrieve related content and services on the Internet. For example, users can take a photo of a
plant or a pet, to identify the species. We also endeavor to improve the search experience, through other AI-powered products, such as Top
1, to satisfy user queries with the first displayed search result, which we believe will be an important capability with the adoption of smart
devices with smaller screens. In addition, we offer vertical search, such as video search and online literature search to our users.
Baidu Feed. Baidu Feed provides users with personalized timeline based on their demographics and interests. Baidu Feed complements our
core search product, leverages Baidu AI recommendation algorithms and monetization platform, and contributes to user engagement and
retention, including content sharing, likes, and comments. Baidu Feed provides text-to-speech function to help users consume Internet
content hands free, as well as leverages its large traffic to distribute video content from Haokan, Quanmin, iQIYI and third parties.
Haokan. Haokan offers a wide variety of user generated and professionally produced short videos, usually several minutes long, in coordination
with MCNs (multiple channel network). Haokan allows users to upload, view, search, rate, share, favorite, comment, and follow. Video creators and
curators can distribute their content to build a fan base and receive revenue share for their content contribution.
Quanmin. Quanmin is a flash video app for users to create and share short videos, usually less than one minute long, and live videos with
entertainment orientation, such as musical, dance, comedy, acting, and lip-sync. Users can shoot or upload flash videos and edit them with built-in
special effects, filters and stickers. Contents are distributed in personalized timeline powered by Baidu AI recommendation algorithms.
Internally Developed Knowledge-and-Information-Centric Products
Our content and services ecosystem also includes a comprehensive portfolio of knowledge and information products developed internally, in
partnership with professionals, reputable organizations and other users. For example, we provided live streaming content from healthcare industry
experts in 2020, to help users better understand and cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Baidu Wiki. A leading wiki in China compiled by experts in specialized fields featuring high-quality columns and videos, such as Encyclopedia
of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Digital Museum and Recorder of History.
Baidu Knows. An online community where users can pose questions to other users, such as individuals, professionals, and enterprises. Baidu
Knows leverages Baidu’s search capabilities to help users find answers to their questions on the Internet fast and efficiently, while at the same time
allow various partners of Baidu Knows to engage with their targeted users.
Baidu Experience. An online platform where users share daily knowledge and experience, providing practical tips and interesting perspectives in
areas, such as software, lifestyle, and games, etc.
Baidu Post. A social media built on topical online communities. Users can post text, image, audio and video content and reply to original
curation, forming valuable discussion groups. Baidu Post draws new users through close integration with search and user generated content, and has
been a popular platform for celebrity fans, online game players, and online novel readers to share topical discussions, especially about current trends.
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Products and Services for Partners
We attract numerous partners to our platform through our AI building blocks and Baidu Union, which help create opportunities for us to work
with our partners in research and development and other business cooperation and establish long term business relationships.
AI Building Blocks. The number of smartphones sold in China is on a decline and app installation costs have been rising, causing app developers
to take interest in offering their content and services on Baidu App with native-like app experience. Similarly, website owners are experiencing the
challenge to grow their business while open in-app search queries are outgrowing browser search queries. To help app developers and website owners
grow their business and leverage their traffic more efficiently with AI-powered tools and capabilities, we offer Smart Mini Program and Managed Page
to our partners, respectively. We also offer BJH accounts to enable content providers to place their content on our publisher network and make their
content searchable.
•
•
•
Baijiahao (BJH Accounts). Our publisher network aggregates articles, photos, short videos, live videos, and augmented reality clips from
MCNs, media outlets, and other professional sources, for distribution through search, feed, and short video products. BJH publisher
accounts reached 3.8 million in December 2020, representing a growth of 48% over the same period in 2019.
Smart Mini Program. App developers may share their content and services in Baidu App with native-app like experience through
increasingly popular applets, known as Smart Mini Program. Users can now search for and access content and services that historically
were only available in standalone apps within Baidu App, without having to download and maintain so many apps on their phones.
Launched in July 2018, Smart Mini Program has seen large user growth, with MAUs of Smart Mini Program reaching 414 million in
December 2020.
Managed Page. Managed Page is a hosted mobile alternative for website owners. Site owners may open an account on our platform, use
our tools and services powered by AI and engage with users without having to maintain their own site and pay for server, software and
bandwidth costs. Managed Page comes with industry-specific templates and is designed to provide users with more reliable and secure
information.
Baidu Union. We match the promotional links of our online marketing services customers to the online properties of Baidu Union partners, which
consists of a large number of partners, such as third-party websites, wap sites and mobile apps. Some Baidu Union partners , such as online portal
websites and Internet cafes, also embed our products and services, such as Baidu Search or a search function powered by Baidu Search, onto their online
properties, which allows Baidu Union partners to provide high-quality, relevant search results to their users without incurring the cost of development
and maintenance for advanced search capabilities and monetize their traffic through revenue sharing arrangements with us. Baidu Union partners may
use our content recommendation system to provide feed content and ads to their users. We typically pay our Baidu Union partners a portion of the online
marketing revenues based on pre-arranged agreements.
In addition, we also enter into arrangements with Baidu Union partners to provide our search engine in their browsers. We typically pay such
Baidu Union partners a fee based on prearranged agreements.
Products and Services for Customers
We, through our network of third-party agents and our direct sales team, deliver online marketing services to a diverse customer base consisting of
SMEs across industries, including healthcare, retail, e-commerce, education, personal care, real estate, home furnishing, automobile, financial services,
professional services, franchising and online games. In 2020, we served around half a million enterprise customers, who are customers of our online
marketing services and business services.
Our online marketing services enable the delivery of comprehensive, rich, and diversified marketing offerings to fulfill customer needs. Our
online marketing services include P4P (pay for performance) services and
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others. We generate revenues primarily from the sale of P4P online marketing services and other marketing services to our customers, which accounts
for a majority of the our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
P4P. Our auction-based P4P services allow customers to bid for priority placement of paid sponsored links and reach users who search for
information related to their products or services. We charge our customers on a cost-per-click basis. Customers may choose to purchase search, feed and
other online marketing services and have the option to set daily allowances targeting users by geography in China and specify the time period for their
campaign. As our partners adopt Smart Mini Programs and Managed Page, some of them have begun to use these properties as their landing page, in
lieu of their own mobile apps and websites.
Search marketing services are mainly provided to customers through our proprietary online marketing system which drives monetization
efficiency by improving relevance in paid search and optimizing value for our customers.
Feed marketing services usually comprise image-based or video-based advertising, appearing between the feed headlines or within the feed
content. It is powered by Baidu AI in order to better match goods and services providers with their targeted audience while optimizing user experience.
Others. Our other marketing services comprise display-based marketing services and other online marketing services based on performance
criteria other than CPC (cost-per-click). Customers can choose different mix of our service offerings to optimize their return on investment. BrandZone
allows customers to display integrated text, logo, image, and video in a structured and uniform manner on a prominent position of the search result page
or in vertical search products, such as Baidu Knows. Programmatic marketing platform supports the placement of advertisement using standard,
intelligent, or customized creativity, different purchasing methods (guaranteed delivery or real time bidding), and multiple payment methods.
Marketing cloud platform. Our marketing cloud platform integrates one-stop-shop media purchase with CRM (client relationship management)
functionalities, to allow our customers to purchase brand and performance-based marketing services, build audience and user engagement, generate
leads and maintain relationships with users, leveraging tools and services powered by Baidu AI. Our marketing cloud platform helps us better
understand our customers’ needs and enable our customers to leverage Baidu’s AI to simplify their marketing process and improve the effectiveness of
their marketing efforts.
Our Mobile Ecosystem, built upon Baidu App as well as a dozen other apps, offers a wide range of third-party content and services to hundreds of
millions of users, typically free of charge. Our AI building blocks and other products and services for partners have attracted millions of partners to
become participants in our Mobile Ecosystem and generate content and services onto our platform and to tap into our over-half-a-billion user base. The
more partners we bring into our Mobile Ecosystem, the better we become at providing users with a more comprehensive reach and cover content and
services in more diversified formats than competing products, which in turn attracts more users and partners to our Mobile Ecosystem. For our Mobile
Ecosystem business, we generate a substantial majority of our revenues from the provision of online marketing services to our customers. and through
third-party agents. We charge our customers periodically based on usage while requiring certain customers to pay a deposit. We also offer certain
customers credit terms. In addition to offering ads on our platform, we serve promotional ads from our customers on the apps or website properties of
Baidu Union partners. We also power the search engines of Baidu Union partners.
Baidu Core—AI Cloud
Our AI Cloud offers a comprehensive set of cloud solutions, including AI PaaS and SaaS, based on our unique AI and knowledge graph
capabilities, and IaaS in computing, storage, network, database and delivery
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services. Our IaaS services provide our customers the flexibility to quickly scale or cut back on their cloud computing needs without having to provide
huge capital layout upfront. Our AI solutions, usually consisting of PaaS and/or SaaS, leverage our AI capabilities to improve our clients’ operational
efficiency and service levels. For example, we enabled a client in the manufacturing sector to automate quality assurance checkpoints on its production
line by leveraging our computer vision capabilities. This solution helped our client reduce labor cost and improve their operational efficiency. Our goal
is to offer a comprehensive set of products, services, and tools to enable enterprises and the public sector to improve productivity and operational
efficiency through the use of Baidu AI and cloud infrastructure.
AI Solutions. Developers and enterprises can easily access and build customizable AI solutions for various industries by leveraging our full suite
of cloud-based modularized solutions, including algorithms, pre-training models and data sets in areas of speech recognition, computer vision, NLP
(natural language processing), OCR (optical character recognition), video analysis, and structured data analysis. Our powerful and cost effective cloud-
based modularized AI solutions allow developers and enterprises to improve their own products and services and expand their use cases over time.
While the services on this platform is free for developers, its wide adoption and application by our large developer community allow us to further
improve our AI capabilities over time to maintain our technological advantage. Furthermore, as we have access to where the developer community and
its customers are directing their efforts, we use those insights to enhance our AI solutions and direct our investments in AI capabilities targeting
industries have the most commercialization opportunities.
Knowledge-graph Cloud Solutions. We offer our large-scale knowledge graph to establish and pre-train various decision models for our
customers. Using our customers’ big data, we can establish systematic knowledge graph and develop various computing models that can provide
instantaneous answers to complicated decision making for our customers. Leveraging the knowledge graph that we have built from handling vast
amounts of content online for the last two decades, we can provide differentiated knowledge-graph cloud solutions built on our AI PaaS for specific
applications and develop various computing models that can be agilely adopted and applied to the needs of different customers across multiple
industries. For example, a utility company used our knowledge-graph cloud solution to determine the amount of electricity needed to support a
geographic region that was deploying EV (electric vehicle) charging stations; a retail bank used our knowledge-graph cloud solution to improve credit
risk management for consumer and SME lending; and a large enterprise used our knowledge-graph cloud solution to recommend relevant documents to
its employees to support the daily and weekly write up of management reports.
Industry Vertical Solutions. Leveraging our PaaS and SaaS solutions and knowledge graph, we have developed customized AI cloud solutions
for our customers in specific industries, such as smart transportation, finance, manufacturing, utilities, telecom and media. Our experience in serving
industry leaders in these verticals further allows us to quickly scale to provide customizable solution to serve other enterprises in the same space,
supporting our deeper penetration in these verticals. For example, in the transportation industry, we are a pioneer and industry leader in developing V2X
(vehicle-to-everything) solutions, the infrastructure backbone to smart transportation, to cities in China to help them improve municipal traffic condition,
air pollution and road safety, using Baidu AI technology. In August 2020, we won a RMB460 million project to help the city of Guangzhou to improve
its traffic efficiency and safety by adopting our V2X solution. The Guangzhou project uses Apollo ACE transportation engine, which, in essence, is a
transportation cloud solution that processes traffic information from Apollo MaaS and V2X, DuerOS connected vehicles and Baidu Maps, providing
traffic agencies better information to improve traffic management and transportation services and offer autonomous driving services. The Guangzhou
project demonstrates our technological capabilities and the advantages of our full-stack solutions, which could help us attract more contracts from other
cities. As of December 31, 2020, we have won projects in over one dozen cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The industry know-how
from our existing businesses, such as our Mobile Ecosystem and iQIYI, also provides valuable insights on how to tailor AI Cloud solutions to customers
in the technology and media industries.
Others. We also offer Baidu Drive, which allows users to store and retrieve photos, videos, and other files on AI Cloud, along with other
capabilities, such as group share and data transfer.
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For AI Cloud, we generate revenue by providing cloud services and solutions to enterprise clients, consumers and the public sector directly or
through solution integrators for a lump-sum fee or on a subscription basis. We also generate revenue from Baidu Drive from membership services
provided to individual customers. Baidu Core’s cloud services revenue reached RMB9.2 billion (US$1.4 billion) in 2020, increasing by 44% from 2019.
Baidu Core’s cloud services revenue reached RMB3.3 billion (US$0.5 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2020. Year-over-year revenue growth rate of our
cloud services in 2020 has been accelerating to 67% in the fourth quarter of 2020 with increasing recognition of our AI capabilities and improving
COVID-19 condition in China.
Baidu Core—Intelligent Driving & OGI
Intelligent Driving & OGI include developments with large total addressable markets and earlier-stage commercialization with a growing
customer base, including Apollo intelligent driving and DuerOS smart assistant.
Intelligent Driving
We are the market leader in autonomous driving in China in terms of number of test miles and number of test licenses. As of December 31, 2020,
we had 199 autonomous driving licenses with extensive geographical coverage in China, compared to the second player which had approximately 20
licenses. A well-known research firm, names Apollo as one of the four global leaders in autonomous driving, recognizing us as the top-tier autonomous
driving company from China. Apollo is an open platform, which we believe maximizes the reach and value of our technology. As of December 31,
2020, our Apollo ecosystem has more than 200 partners, tier one suppliers and other strategic partners cumulatively.
With its focus on intelligence, Apollo provides a comprehensive, safe, secure and reliable solution that supports all major features and functions of
an autonomous vehicle, helping build intelligent vehicles and smart roads through intelligent transformation. We have an extensive portfolio of
autonomous driving technology infrastructures. Our experience in implementing and operating V2X solutions, accumulated test miles, and our deep
learning capability helps us train models from real world and simulated data to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of our solutions.
Our ecosystem, industry know-how, road and traffic understanding, technology, experience with autonomous driving operations and cost
advantage give us strong competitive advantages in driving the development of the intelligent driving industry, which includes Apollo Self Driving (HD
Maps, AVP and ANP), intelligent EVs and robotaxi (autonomous driving fleet operation).
Apollo Self-Driving Services. We have been investing in L3 and L4 self-driving technology to provide automakers with self-driving services.
Under Apollo Self Driving, HD Maps supports L3 and L4 self-driving. In addition, we introduced AVP (our automated valet parking) services in 2018,
which allow a driver to get out of the car upon arrival at his or her destination and our L4 solution would enable the vehicle to autopark, and to direct the
vehicle to automatically drive to driver’s location out of the parking lot. In December 2020, we introduced ANP (our autonomous navigation pilot)
services, which leverage our autonomous driving capabilities. We have signed strategic agreements with 10 leading automakers to power their passenger
vehicles with HD maps and/or AVP, and we recently started accepting orders for our ANP services. These products are in the early stage of monetization
and their revenue contribution is insignificant.
Intelligent EVs. We recently formed a new EV company and have entered into a strategic partnership with multinational auto manufacturer
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely). We will provide intelligent driving capabilities to power the passenger vehicles, and Geely, which holds the
distinction of best-selling Chinese automobile brand in past years under the Volvo and Geely brands, will contribute its expertise in automobile design
and manufacturing.
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Apollo Robotaxi. Robotaxi operation represents a massive opportunity. We received T4 licenses, the highest level of autonomous driving test
license issued by the working group led by Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, which permits autonomous vehicles to operate in complex
driving conditions, including urban roads, tunnels, school zones and other scenarios. In September 2019, Apollo’s first robotaxi pilot program was made
available to the public in Changsha, Hunan. Since then, Apollo’s robotaxi service has been made available in Beijing, Changsha and Cangzhou and has
expanded into larger networks and more complex road conditions, such as downtown streets. In October 2020, Baidu fully opened the Apollo Robotaxi
service to public in Beijing. Robotaxi is in the early stage of monetization and its revenue contribution is insignificant.
OGI
Baidu Health
Baidu Health’s goal is to provide doctors and hospitals more efficient online presence, through social accounts, live streaming seminars,
discussion forums and telemedicine, as well as providing them with hosted management tools to remain in contact with their patients efficiently, such as
messaging, appointment re-scheduling and monitoring of treatment plans. Conversely, Baidu Health help users find the doctor and hospital that best
suits their different healthcare needs. Through our AI building blocks, we promote an information to social to purchase workflow, while connecting
users to doctors and hospitals to improve their wellness over a lifetime. Peak-day healthcare related search queries reached 190 million in 2020.
Baidu Health consists of in-depth, authoritative healthcare content, including that from approximately 300,000 doctors and medical experts, by
aggregating a wide range of third-party healthcare and wellness information from our AI building blocks, as well as from self-produced products, such
as Baidu Healthcare Wiki.
Through BJH accounts, Smart Mini Programs, live streaming, and messaging tools, we enable users to engage with doctors and more than 100
hospitals nationwide and make an informed decision on selecting the doctor or hospital organization that most fits their needs, and continue to gain
access to their primary doctor and affiliated hospital.
DuerOS Smart Assistant. DuerOS is a leading smart assistant for the Chinese language, which powers first-party Xiaodu home smart devices
and smart earphones, as well as third-party smart phones, children smart watches and story machines. DuerOS is differentiated by its multi-round
conversation AI capabilities, leveraging internally designed Baidu Honghu AI chip, as well as by DuerOS skills store, which offers over 4,400 skills in
wide ranging genres, including education, video, online game and live streaming. The wide selection of skills offered on DuerOS has allowed Xiaodu
Smart Display to achieve an average daily activated time span per device of over 3 hour in 2020. We generate revenue from the sale of our smart
assistant devices to our customers directly and through our distribution network.
Baidu Maps. A voice-enabled mobile app providing users with travel-related services, including POI (point of interest) search, route planning,
precise navigation, taxi-hailing service and real-time traffic condition information. Baidu Maps has a MAU of 316 million in December 2020. Baidu
Maps also provides professional and stable map services to business partners across different sectors.
iQIYI
iQIYI is an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China. iQIYI’s platform features iQIYI original content, as well as a
comprehensive library of other professionally produced content (PPC), professional user generated content (PUGC) and user-generated content.
Premium content is critical to the success of iQIYI’s business. iQIYI needs to produce and license premium content in order to deliver a
differentiated and engaging entertainment experience for its users. Content cost has
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historically accounted for the biggest portion of iQIYI’s cost of revenues. In 2020, content cost accounted for approximately 75% of iQIYI’s cost of
revenues, Our content portfolio consists of original content, content licensed from third party professional content producers, as well as content
uploaded by professional and other users. To cater to the tastes of Chinese users across their diverse spectrum, iQIYI licenses content from thousands of
professional content providers and have built a vast and diversified library of professionally produced content. iQIYI’s content library included a wide
selection of drama series, variety shows, films, kids programs, documentaries, animations, sports programs as well as other various genres of program,
covering more than 30 content categories. This vast and diversified content library has helped iQIYI attract users of different ages and backgrounds and
increase user engagement.
PPC. iQIYI’s PPC mainly includes original content and licensed content. As of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, iQIYI’s library of
professionally produced content included over 60,000, 50,000 and 40,000 titles of drama series, variety shows, films as well as other various genres of
program.
(i)
Original content. iQIYI’s original content includes both content produced in-house and content produced in collaboration with quality
third-party partners. iQIYI obtains the intellectual property rights through production, adaptation or purchase from third parties, while the
partners, typically established entertainment production companies, are responsible for content development and production. iQIYI
maintains a high degree of control during the content development and production process. In the content production process, iQIYI
leverages its deep understanding of entertainment, users and content, as well as advanced technology, to identify original literary titles or
scripts with the most potential, nurture promising artistic talents and execute impactful marketing campaigns. For content produced
in-house, iQIYI staffs the production with its own highly professional development team of well-recognized producers, production
professionals, artists and a post-production editing professionals. For content produced in collaboration with quality third-party partners,
iQIYI typically engages quality production companies through individual negotiation or through a competitive bidding process for the
right to produce content, and iQIYI pays such production companies in the form of a guaranteed fee and/or revenue sharing.
With an illustrious track record of producing blockbuster original titles and the self-production capability spearheaded by over 50 in-house
studios and partnership programs, iQIYI has become a symbol of high-quality video content. Since 2015, iQIYI has released many award-
winning multi-genre original titles, such as The Lost Tomb, The Mystic Nine, Burning Ice, Story of Yanxi Palace, The Thunder and The Bad
Kids. iQIYI also pioneered and produced a number of internet variety shows that are highly popular, such as The Rap of China, Idol
Producer, The Big Band and Qipa Talk, the last of which was released in 2014 and wrapped up its seventh season. Leveraging its initial
success, iQIYI has extended selected popular titles into multi-season format. In order to provide high-quality original content offerings to
our users, iQIYI has managed to attract and retain top talents available in market and suitable for the development and production.
(ii)
Licensed content. iQIYI provides users with a curated selection of high-quality PPC from third parties. Leveraging its expertise in content
selection, iQIYI have successfully debuted well-received titles such as drama series iPartment, In the Name of People, Go Go Squid, Qing
Yu Nian, Reunion: The Sound of the Providence Season 2, and variety show Keep Running Season IV. iQIYI licenses video content
typically at fixed rates for a specified term, and pay licensing fees generally in installments upon signing of the contacts and during the
licenses period. iQIYI also exchanges rights to distribute licensed content with other internet video streaming services to enrich its content
library. In certain cases, iQIYI has the right of first refusal to purchase new content produced by the licensor. iQIYI’s licensed content
library also features a rich collection of movies, animations, documentaries and other content.
Other Video Content. iQIYI offers a broad base of other video content with all kinds of genres, formats, and lengths of duration, such as internet
movies and dramas, mini variety shows and animations, interactive
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videos, vertical or horizontal videos, as well as grassroot or influencer uploaded videos, edited video clips, and video blogs, or Vlogs, among others.
iQIYI’s other video content expands its library and allows it to capture a broader user base, drive user engagement and enhance user stickiness.
iQIYI has developed a diversified monetization model to capture multiple opportunities arising from the rapid growth of the online entertainment
industry in China. iQIYI generates revenues through membership services, online advertising services and a suite of other monetization methods. It
pioneered a large scale paid content subscription business in China. It appeals to advertisers through broad and efficient user reach, as well as innovative
and effective advertising products. iQIYI’s sophisticated monetization model fosters an environment for high-quality content production and distribution
on its platform, which in turn expands its user base and increases user engagement, creating a virtuous cycle.
Membership Services. iQIYI’s membership services generally provide subscribing members with superior entertainment experience that is
embodied in various membership privileges. Subscribing members have access to a large collection of VIP-only content comprising drama series,
movies, animations, and cartoons, among others, and have earlier access to certain content aired on the iQIYI platform. Membership privileges generally
include substantially ad-free streaming, 1080P or 4K high-definition video, enhanced audio experience, accelerated downloads and others. Subscribing
member privileges also include coupons and discounts on paid on-demand films, as well as special privilege in offline events, such as exclusive access
to live concerts. The number of subscribing members increased 22.3% from 87.4 million as of December 31, 2018 to 106.9 million as of December 31,
2019. Excluding individuals with trial memberships, the number of subscribing members increased by 22.7% from 86.1 million as of December 31,
2018 to 105.7 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, the number of iQIYI’s subscribing members and the number of subscribing
members excluding individuals with trial memberships were 101.7 million and 100.7 million, respectively.
Online Advertising. The prices of iQIYI’s advertising services depend upon various factors, including form and size of the advertising, level of
sponsorship, popularity of the content or event in which the advertisements will be placed, and specific targeting requirements. Prices for the brand
advertising service purchased by each advertiser or advertising agency are generally fixed under sales contracts.
Content Distribution
iQIYI sub-licenses procured third-party content within the authorized scope to other internet video streaming services. iQIYI also entered into
barter agreements to exchange internet broadcasting rights of licensed content with other internet video streaming services. We distribute our selected
original content to regions outside of China and to TV stations in China. Exclusive licensing agreements iQIYI enters into with the content licensors has
a specified license period and provides iQIYI rights to sub-license these contents to other parties, while non-exclusive licenses do not provide iQIYI
with the right to sub-license. iQIYI enters into a non-exclusive sub-license agreement with a sub-licensee for a period that falls within the original
exclusive license period, for cash or exchanging online broadcasting rights of licensed copyrights.
Technology
We focus on technology and innovation. To stay at the forefront of the internet industry and to achieve long-term growth and success, we invest
heavily in research and development. We have established several research labs in China and the United States, to enhance our research and
development capabilities, including AI, quantum computing and other areas.
Baidu AI
We have been investing in AI since 2010, and have developed “Baidu Brain,” our core AI technology engine, which has become a powerful
technology platform that powers all of our business. We have opened up our AI platform to a large community of developers, which helps improve our
AI capabilities and accelerate large-scale implementation of our AI. Request on Baidu Brain has peaked over 1 trillion hits per day in 2020.
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Our AI capabilities encapsulated on “Baidu Brain,” our core AI technology engine, consist of four layers and one module, as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
a foundation layer, consisting of PaddlePaddle, our open source deep learning framework and platform, as software, Kunlun AI chips as
hardware and databases as fuel;
a perception layer, aggregating internally developed algorithms for speech recognition and synthesis, computer vision and augmented
reality & virtual reality;
a cognition layer, consisting of algorithms for natural language processing and knowledge graph;
a platform layer, opening our technologies to partners and developers to develop a strong AI ecosystem; and
an AI security module that ensures Baidu Brain’s security, safety and privacy.
AI Capabilities. Baidu Brain 6.0, which was launched in September 2020, making available over 270 AI capabilities, including natural language
processing, knowledge graph, speech recognition and synthesis, computer vision, etc.
Knowledge Graph. Baidu AI consists of heterogeneous knowledge graphs of entity-graph, attention graphs, events, POIs, and industry-
knowledge, which transform immense multi-element and multi-modal data into a holistic semantic network containing hundreds of millions of nodes
and hundreds of billions of relationships.
NLP. ERNIE (Enhanced Representation through kNowledge IntEgration), our NLP framework, is capable of continual learning various
knowledge from massive data and has achieved state-of-the-art results in both Chinese and English language understanding tasks. ERNIE has been
widely used in the fields of reading comprehension, emotional analysis, search intelligent Q&A, video recommendation, click-through rate prediction.
As to machine translation, Baidu Translate provides translations to 203 languages and the number of characters translated daily reached over 100 billion.
Speech Recognition and Synthesis. In 2019, Baidu launched the streaming multi-layer truncated attention model (SMLTA) to improve the
accuracy of speech recognition, making it possible to recognize mixed Chinese and English or mixed Mandarin dialect speech. Meitron, a voice
synthesis technology we developed, maps the tone, style, emotion and other elements into different sub-spaces, which allows a user to switch the voice
of an application to his/her voice by recording a voice input of 20 sentences. The Meitron-based voice customization function has been added to Baidu
Maps.
Computer Vision. Visual semantics allow the machine to understand videos and extract structured semantic knowledge by recognizing people,
movements, items and associated time series. Visual understanding has been applied widely in our video applications. With synthetic virtual image
technology, including facial, limb and mouth shape generation, we have developed “virtual” customer representative, to be paired with our automated
customer service cloud solutions, powered by Baidu Brain.
Our technological innovation in AI has been well recognized by leading institutions. For example, in 2019, ERNIE became the first AI model to
score above 90 on GLUE (General Language Understanding Evaluation), which is widely considered as the benchmark for testing AI language
understanding. The ranking has been otherwise dominated by U.S. technology firms and universities.
Our unique breadth and depth of AI capabilities provide the differentiating foundational technologies that power all of our businesses. We are one
of the very few companies in the world that offers full-stack AI technologies encompassing AI chips, software framework and applications. We believe
our strength in AI open platform allows us to apply and commercialize AI across a diverse product portfolio across the consumer, enterprise and public
sector.
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PaddlePaddle. PaddlePaddle (Parallel Distributed Deep Learning) is our deep learning framework, which we open sourced in 2016. PaddlePaddle
provides: (i) a deep learning framework based on programming logic enabling both development flexibility and stability; (ii) the ultra-large-scale
training capacity for real-time updates of trillion-level parameters of deep learning models; (iii) end-to-end deployment of high-performance inference
engines designed for diverse platforms and devices; and (iv) open source industry-grade models covering a wide range of applications.
AI Chips. Baidu Kunlun, a cloud-to-edge AI chip, was introduced in 2018, specifically designed for Baidu’s computing environment, to power
search and AI cloud solutions, as well as for our deep learning computing needs. Baidu Kunlun optimizes our AI capabilities on AI Cloud servers while
improving cost efficiency. In addition, we have also developed Baidu Honghu to power DuerOS smart devices and in-vehicle infotainment to improve
speech recognition performance and provide a cost advantage in our AI offerings.
We have also developed a proprietary technological infrastructure which consists of technologies for search, marketing services, and large-scale
systems. Our established infrastructure serves as the backbone for AI, mobile and PC platforms.
Mobile Ecosystem Technologies
Search Technologies
Our search is powered by a set of industry-leading technologies, including the following, among others:
Ranking. We compare search queries with the content on web pages to help determine relevance. We have significantly improved the relevancy,
freshness and authority of ranking using our machine learning modules to analyze the rich content on the Internet and user intent, to prioritize the search
results. We began using machine learning in 2010, to better understand the semantics beyond simple text of the search keywords, and in 2013, we began
to apply deep learning in our search ranking system, which is playing an increasingly important role. In 2019, we began to develop Top 1 (satisfying
user with the first search result) by significantly enhancing the results of question parsing and analysis, answer matching, extraction, page content
understanding and other aspects of our search engine, which has greatly improved user satisfaction with our search products.
Multi-modal search. We have greatly improved the accuracy of speech recognition in scenarios, such as long sentences, mixed Chinese and
English, and strong accent, and thus significantly improve user satisfaction of our speech search. We have built a terminal visual interaction engine v1.0
for visual search and facilitated the implementation of convolutional neural network models, reducing the training costs through unsupervised or semi-
supervised models.
Marketing Services Technologies
Our marketing services platform serves billions of relevant, targeted sponsored links each day based on search terms users enter or content they
view on web pages or in our apps. Our key marketing services technologies include Phoenix Nest, a web-based auction system to enable customers to
bid for keywords and automatically deliver relevant, targeted promotional links on Baidu’s properties and Baidu Union partners’ properties. Designed to
generate more relevant results, Phoenix Nest helps customers to identify popular keywords and provides them with tools for budget management and
marketing effectiveness measurement.
Large-Scale Systems and Technologies
Our large scale and massive amounts of user traffic require our systems to efficiently and effectively allocate resources among the products and
services in our large product portfolio. Our key large-scale systems and technologies include our internally developed automated management platform
for large size clusters, which
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enables us to intelligently manage and allocate resources and automatically debug and relocate services, thereby, allowing the huge volume of requests
on Baidu search platform to function stably across multiple internet data centers and a large network of servers.
Research and Development
We have a team of experienced engineers who are based mostly in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China. We also have development centers in
Sunnyvale, California and Seattle, Washington. We compete aggressively for engineering and recruit most of our engineers locally and have established
various recruiting and training programs with leading universities in China. We have also recruited experienced engineers globally.
In the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, our research and development expenditures were RMB15.8 billion, RMB18.3 billion and
RMB19.5 billion (US$3.0 billion), representing 15%, 17% and 18% of our total revenues, respectively. Our research and development expenses
primarily consist of salaries and benefits for research and development personnel. We expense research and development costs as they are incurred,
except for certain internal-use software.
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection laws in China and other jurisdictions, as well as
confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions, to protect our intellectual property and our brand. We have over 7,800 issued patents in China
covering invention, utility model and design, and intend to apply for more patents to protect our core technologies and intellectual property. We also
enter into confidentiality, non-compete and invention assignment agreements with our employees and consultants, and nondisclosure agreements with
selected third parties. “(cid:0)(cid:0),” our company’s name “Baidu” in Chinese, has been recognized as a well-known trademark in China by the Trademark Office
” and the related
of National Intellectual Property Administration under the State Administration for Market Regulation. In addition to owning “
logos, we have applied for registration of various other trademarks. We also have registered certain trademarks in the United States, Australia, Brazil,
Canada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, the European
Union and several other jurisdictions. In addition, we have registered our domain name baidu.com and certain other domain names with authorized
registrars of ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). We have also successfully become designated Registry Operator for
.baidu top-level domain names by ICANN.
Internet, technology and media companies are frequently involved in litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of
intellectual property rights. Furthermore, the application of laws governing intellectual property rights in China and abroad is uncertain and evolving and
could involve substantial risks to us. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business Industry—We may face
intellectual property infringement claims and other related claims, which could be time-consuming and costly to defend and may result in an adverse
impact over our operations” and “—We may be subject to patent infringement claims with respect to our P4P platform.”
Sales and Distribution
We offer products and services for Baidu Mobile Ecosystem through our network of third-party agents and our direct sales team. We typically
enter into framework sales agreements with third-party agents, where third-party agents will sell online marketing services to customers such as SMEs,
domestic businesses and multinational companies on our behalf. The sales agreements typically limit the industry focus of the third-party agents. The
third-party agents provide our online marketing customers with numerous services, including identifying customers, collecting payments, assisting
customers in setting up accounts with us, suggesting keywords to maximize ROI and engaging in other marketing and educational services aimed at
acquiring customers. We have direct sales presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other cities, covering
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the major regional markets for our online marketing services and other services. We cover our key accounts through direct sales team and enter into
agreements with such key accounts directly.
For AI Cloud, we sell our cloud solutions including IaaS, PaaS and SaaS to our enterprise clients directly or through solution integrators. We offer
smart transportation solutions directly to provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of our clients.
For Intelligent Driving and OGI, we sell our products and services to our clients directly and through our third-party agents.
iQIYI’s brand advertising is sold through third-party advertising agencies, including members of American Association of Advertising Agencies,
or 4As, and leading Chinese advertising agencies, as well as through a direct sales force. Feed advertising services is sold primarily through third-party
advertising agencies, whose existing long-term relationships and network resources we strategically leverage, to increase our sales and expand our
advertiser base.
Marketing
We focus on continually improving the quality of our products and services, as we believe satisfied users and customers are more likely to
recommend our products and services to others. Through these efforts and the increased use of internet in China, we have built our brand with modest
marketing expenditures.
We have implemented a number of marketing initiatives designed to promote our brand awareness among potential users, customers and Baidu
Union partners. In addition to our brand positioning in the market, we have also initiated a series of marketing activities to promote our products and
technologies among existing and potential users and customers, including, but not limited to, Baidu World Conference.
Competition
For Baidu Core business, our primary competitors are mainly internet companies and online marketing platforms in China. We compete with these
entities for both users and customers on the basis of user traffic, cyber security, quality (relevance) of search (and other marketing and advertising)
results, availability and user experience of products and services, distribution channels and the number of associated third-party websites. We also face
competition from U.S.-based internet search providers providing Chinese language services and online marketing platforms, as well as traditional
advertising media.
Online Marketing Platforms, Internet, Cloud and Smart Device Companies in China. Chinese internet companies, such as Alibaba, Tencent,
ByteDance and Xiaomi, offer a broad range of online services, including search, feed, cloud services and smart devices. These companies have widely
recognized brand names in China and significant financial resources. Furthermore, some of these companies are private and are able to expend
significant resources without consideration for near-term return on investment. We compete with these companies primarily for user traffic, user time,
content, advertising budget and marketing resources. We leverage our AI technology, user traffic, product design and various marketing to enhance
users’ reliance on our platforms and services.
U.S.-based Internet Search Providers and Online Marketing Platforms. U.S.-based internet search providers and online marketing platforms, such
as Microsoft, Google and Facebook, have a strong global presence, well established brand names, more users and customers and significantly greater
financial resources than we do. We may also continue to face competition from other existing competitors and new entrants in the markets of Chinese
language search, online marketing, cloud services and smart devices.
Other Advertising Media. Other advertising media, such as newspapers, yellow pages, magazines, billboards, other forms of outdoor media,
television, radio and mobile apps compete for a share of our customers’ marketing budgets.
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iQIYI competes with Tencent Video and Youku for both users and advertising customers. iQIYI also competes with other internet media and
entertainment services, such as internet and social platforms and short-form video platforms, as well as major television stations. iQIYI competes with
these market players primarily on the basis of obtaining IP rights to popular content, conducting brand promotions and other marketing activities, and
making investments in and acquisitions of business partners.
Our user traffic tends to be seasonal. For example, we generally experience less user traffic during public holidays and other special event periods
in China. In addition, advertising and other marketing spending in China has historically been cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions as well as
budgeting and buying patterns. Our results of operations may fluctuate due to the cyclicality and seasonality in our business.
Our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Initiatives
We are committed to corporate social responsibility and meeting society’s changing needs despite the challenging economic environment. We
have established an internal environmental, social and governance communications and management mechanism to comprehensively improve our
corporate governance and benefit society.
We have continuously improved our corporate social responsibility initiatives under the guidance of our ESG framework. We appreciate the
oversight, guidance and feedback from different parties and are committed to collaborating closely with domestic and international organizations to
support broader industry-wide ESG practices, to explore multi-dimensional use cases for our technology, to empower traditional industries with our
capabilities and to promote a healthier lifestyle and the long-term sustainability of our society.
Environmentally Sustainable Mindset
We are a strong supporter of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We have participated in the Climate Group’s EV100 campaign, a global initiative bringing together forward-looking companies committed to
accelerating the transition to electric transportation, and are committed to making Baidu a low-carbon, energy-efficient and eco-friendly company
through concrete actions. For example, to improve energy efficiency, we implemented various power supply solutions including HVDC offline and BBU
(Battery Back-up Unit) in our data centers. Furthermore, our data centers are equipped with large-scale water cooling systems with a free cooling
module and OCU (Overhead Cooling Unit) supplemented by fine-tuning operation optimization. As a result of these measures, we improved power
usage effectiveness (PUE) of our data centers and further reduced our carbon emissions. We have also adopted various water and energy conservation
measures, such as recycling heat energy and introducing electric commuter shuttle busses on our campus to make our offices more environmentally
friendly. These initiatives reduced our carbon emissions by over 180,000 tons, as calculated by deducting carbon emissions in project scenario from
carbon emissions in baseline scenario, in 2019.
While we rigorously implement environmentally sustainable policies and initiatives, we also encourage our users and the general public to adopt
similar measures. For example, by adding new features to the app, we encourage the users of Baidu Maps app to take eco-friendly transportation options
including biking and walking to reduce carbon emissions. In 2019, the total number of eco-friendly trips reached 100 million, reducing carbon emissions
by approximately 44,000 tons, as calculated by aggregating carbon emissions reduced through various eco-friendly transportation options: (i) for carbon
free transportation options such as walking, running and cycling, the amount of carbon emission reduced equals the quotient of the total distance so
traveled by the average carbon emission factor of a typical fuel-based vehicle, and (ii) for transportation options with a lower carbon footprint such as
taking a bus, the amount of carbon emission reduced equals the quotient of the total distance so traveled by the average carbon emission factor
differential between a typical fuel-based vehicle and a typical bus on a per capita basis. We also cooperate with non-profit organizations, such as the
International Fund for Animal Welfare, to conduct a series of events that promote public awareness of conservation efforts and science.
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Building Social Trust and Developing Talent
Data Privacy and Data Security. As a reputable hi-tech company serving a large community of users, we put data privacy protection and data
security as our top priorities. Within the company, we have established the Baidu Security Committee and Baidu Data Privacy Committee, comprised of
senior decision makers to oversee these two areas, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and to ensure that we are meeting the
expectations of our users. We communicate with our users in an easy-to-understand manner to help them understand their rights under applicable laws
and regulations. Through our data privacy and data security policies, users can learn about and control how their data is used and provide consent for
data collection when necessary. We have put in place a comprehensive auditing mechanism across our business, to keep track of the data privacy and
data security actions taken throughout the lifecycle of our products and services. We utilize a complete set of data privacy and data security management
systems that allow us to continuously review and improve our processes. We have designed the General Privacy Policies and have drawn up specific
privacy policies for individual products and services. We have also built an independent one-stop privacy protection platform, from which users can
learn about our data privacy policies and provide feedback. Baidu believes that we can make a complex world simpler through AI, but such vision can
only be realized if AI is used properly.
Outlook on Talent and Organizational Development. Our employees are our most important asset. To promote work-life balance for our
employees, we have adopted flexible working arrangements and a system of paid leave and compensatory leave, in addition to statutory annual leave.
Since 2019, we have been working with an insurance company to introduce commercial healthcare coverage for both our employees and their parents.
We are the early adopter among Chinese internet companies to offer such customized coverage. Moreover, we provide a multitude of benefits to our
employees and their family members, including pregnant and nursing employees. To better understand employee satisfaction, help employees address
work challenges and improve the company’s overall work environment, we conduct annual human capital assessment surveys with all of our employees.
We also provide a variety of channels for employees to provide feedback and file complaints. We fully respect and value our employees’ suggestions
and feedback.
Innovation and Practice in Social Responsibility
We care about the society that we live in, and we encourage our employees across different product lines to leverage Baidu AI technologies to
make our community a better place for everyone.
We retooled our AI capabilities to help users, municipalities and health organizations better cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of our
corporate social responsibility effort:
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•
•
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We provided tens of millions of free online doctor consultations on our healthcare platform and made available our online healthcare
services, such as pneumonia screening, to third-party medical apps, to free up hospitals for critical emergencies.
We donated nearly 20,000 Xiaodu Smart Displays to frontline doctors and their families, allowing them to use contact-less, voice-enabled
Internet and conveniently video conference home to stay in touch with their loved ones, while minimizing virus infection. DuerOS also
partnered with online education organizations to enable home teaching for kids, while schools were closed down.
More than 100 Apollo-powered autonomous vehicles have been deployed across 17 cities in China, including Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai,
Shenzhen and Xiamen, to provide medication, face mask and food deliveries, as well as unmanned fever screening and sterilization
services.
Baidu AI call center solution was retooled to allow local municipalities and health commissions to call people and survey their health
conditions and travel information. Our smart call center handled over 3 million calls in the first two months, which is equivalent to the
workload of approximately 1,000 full-time employees over a month’s period. Our smart call center was also used to update the new hours
of operation for businesses on Baidu Maps, as restaurants, shops and supermarkets re-opened for business.
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•
We open-sourced LinearFold, our RNA analysis algorithm, to researchers worldwide for research on COVID-19. LinearFold can accelerate
the prediction time of a virus’s RNA secondary structure, potentially from 55 minutes to 27 seconds, affording researchers an opportunity
to better understand the pandemic and develop effective vaccines.
We are actively exploring the application of voice-based Xiaodu Smart Display for the education sector and aiding the elderly and the
disadvantaged. We have donated Xiaodu Smart Display to 50 primary schools in China where they serve as classroom voice assistants to provide
students with an extensive selection of high-quality educational resources. We have worked with an elderly community in Beijing to turn Xiaodu Smart
Display into an “elderly care station,” allowing its senior citizens to access community services at any time through far-field voice activation. This
service has benefited hundreds of elderly people. Xiaodu Smart Display has also been adopted to help visually impaired students in schools and
masseurs in their workplaces in more than 40 cities across China. Xiaodu Smart Display allows visually impaired students to access a wealth of
information on the Internet and visually impaired masseurs to control the lighting and room temperature of their work place through far-field voice
commands.
As the leading search engine in China, we leverage our platform to reduce gender discrimination and provide charitable organizations with
opportunities to be discovered and heard by the public. We have optimized search results for gender-related keywords and deploy technologies to help
eliminate gender discrimination on the Internet. To help people build more confidence and cope with mental health issues, we worked with leading
psychology institutions in China to launch a Smart Mini Program, an applet within Baidu App, that provided more than 1.2 million users/accounts with
timely support and counseling in 2019. To empower charitable organizations and use technology to create a better Internet community, we launched the
Common Benefit Project to promote and allow 200 charitable programs to be easily discovered.
Building on our close communication and collaboration with all stakeholders, we will continue to benefit our society. As part of our efforts to
create value for our society, we attach great importance to communication and engagement with our users, partners, social organizations and third-party
agencies.
Regulations
The PRC government extensively regulates the telecommunications industry, including the internet sector. The State Council, the MIIT and other
relevant government authorities have promulgated an extensive regulatory scheme governing internet-related services. This section summarizes the
principal PRC laws and regulations relating to our business.
In the opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC legal counsel, (i) the ownership structure relating to our consolidated affiliated entities complies
with current PRC laws and regulations; (ii) subject to the disclosure and risks disclosed under “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks
Related to Our Corporate Structure,” “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China” and “—Regulations,” our contractual arrangements with our
consolidated affiliated entities and the nominee shareholders are valid and binding on all parties to these arrangements and do not violate current PRC
laws or regulations; and (iii) subject to the disclosure and risks disclosed under “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our
Corporate Structure,” “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China” and “—Regulations,” the business operations of our consolidated affiliated entities,
as described herein, comply with current PRC laws and regulations in all material respects.
China’s internet industry, online marketing market and e-commerce market are evolving. There are substantial uncertainties regarding the
interpretation and application of existing or proposed PRC laws and regulations. We cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities would find
that our corporate structure and our business operations comply with PRC laws and regulations. If the PRC government finds us to be in violation of
PRC laws and regulations, we may be required to pay fines and penalties, obtain certain licenses or permits and change, suspend or discontinue our
business operations until we comply with applicable PRC laws and regulations.
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Regulations on Foreign Investment
On January 1, 2020, the Foreign Investment Law and the Regulations for Implementation of the Foreign Investment Law, or the Implementation
Regulations, came into effect and became the principal laws and regulations governing foreign investment in the PRC, replacing the trio of prior laws
regulating foreign investment in the PRC, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture
Enterprise Law and the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations.
According to the Foreign Investment Law, “foreign investment” refers to the investment activities conducted directly or indirectly by foreign
individuals, enterprises or other entities in the PRC, including the following circumstances: (i) the establishment of foreign-invested enterprises in the
PRC by foreign investors solely or jointly with other investors, (ii) a foreign investors’ acquisition of shares, equity interests, property portions or other
similar rights and interests of enterprises in the PRC, (iii) investment in new projects in the PRC by foreign investors solely or jointly with other
investors, and (iv) investments made by foreign investors through means stipulated in laws or administrative regulations or other methods prescribed by
the State Council.
Pursuant to the Foreign Investment Law, the PRC has adopted a reformed system with respect to foreign investment administration, under which
the Chinese government applies national treatment to foreign investors in terms of investment entry and the foreign investor needs to comply with the
requirements as provided in the negative list for foreign investment. The negative list will be issued by, amended or released upon approval by the State
Council, from time to time. The negative list will consist of a list of industries in which foreign investments are prohibited and a list of industries in
which foreign investments are restricted. Foreign investors will be prohibited from making investments in prohibited industries, while foreign
investments must satisfy certain conditions stipulated in the negative list for investments in restricted industries. Foreign investments and domestic
investments in industries outside the scope of the prohibited industries and restricted industries stipulated in the negative list will be treated equally. Any
foreign-invested enterprise established prior to the effectiveness of the Foreign Investment Law may maintain its original corporate forms for a period of
five years after January 1, 2020.
The Implementation Regulations restates certain principles of the Foreign Investment Law and further provides that, among others, (1) if a
foreign-invested enterprise established prior to the effective date of the Foreign Investment Law fails to adjust its legal form or governance structure to
comply with the provisions of the Companies Law of the PRC or the Partnership Enterprises Law of the PRC as applicable and complete amendment
registration before January 1, 2025, the enterprise registration authority will not process other registration matters of the foreign-invested enterprise and
may publicize such non-compliance thereafter; (2) the provisions regarding equity interest transfer and distribution of profits and remaining assets as
stipulated in the contracts among the joint venture parties of a foreign-invested enterprise established before the effective date of the Foreign Investment
Law may, after adjustment of the legal form and governing structure of such foreign-invested enterprise, remain binding upon the parties.
On December 31, 2019, the MOFCOM and the SAMR jointly promulgated the Measures for Information Reporting on Foreign Investment, which
became effective on January 1, 2020. Pursuant to the measures, where a foreign investor directly or indirectly carries out investment activities in China,
the foreign investor or the foreign-invested enterprise must submit the investment information to the competent commerce department for further
handling.
In December 2020, the NDRC and the MOFCOM promulgated the Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investment, which came into
effect on January 18, 2021. The NDRC and the MOFCOM will establish a working mechanism office in charge of the security review of foreign
investment. Such measures define foreign investment as direct or indirect investment by foreign investors in the PRC, which includes (i) investment in
new onshore projects or establishment of wholly foreign owned onshore companies or joint ventures with foreign
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investors; (ii) acquiring equity or asset of onshore companies by merger and acquisition; and (iii) onshore investment by and through any other means.
Investment in certain key areas with bearing on national security, such as important cultural products and services, important information technology
and internet services and products, key technologies and other important areas with bearing on national security which results in the acquisition of de
facto control of investee companies, shall be filed with a specifically established office before such investment is carried out. What may constitute
“onshore investment by and through any other means” or “de facto control” could be broadly interpreted under such measures. It is likely that control
through contractual arrangement be regarded as de facto control based on provisions applied to security review of foreign investment in the free trade
zone. Failure to make such filing may subject such foreign investor to rectification within prescribed period, and will be recorded as negative credit
information of such foreign investor in the relevant national credit information system, which would then subject such investors to joint punishment as
provided by relevant rules. If such investor fails to or refuses to undertake such rectification, it would be ordered to dispose of the equity or asset and to
take any other necessary measures so as to return to the status quo and to erase the impact to national security.
Regulations on Value-Added Telecommunications Services and Internet Content Services
Value-added telecommunications services and Internet content services. The Telecommunications Regulations of the PRC promulgated by the
PRC State Council in September 2000, which were most recently amended in February 2016, categorize all telecommunication businesses in the PRC as
either basic or value-added. Pursuant to the Telecommunications Regulations, commercial operators of value-added telecommunications services must
first obtain a Value-Added Telecommunication Business Operating License from the MIIT or its provincial level counterparts. The Administrative
Measures for Telecommunication Business Operating License, promulgated by the MIIT with latest amendments becoming effective in September 2017,
set forth the types of licenses required for value-added telecommunications services and the qualifications and procedures for obtaining such licenses.
For example, a value-added telecommunications service operator providing commercial value-added services in multiple provinces is required to obtain
an inter-regional license, whereas a value-added telecommunications service operator providing the same services in one province is required to obtain a
local license. Baidu Netcom and some of our other PRC consolidated affiliated entities hold such Value-Added Telecommunication Business Operating
Licenses.
Internet content services, or ICP services, are classified as one of the value-added telecommunication businesses. The Administrative Measures on
Internet Information Services, promulgated by the PRC State Council in September 2000 and amended in January 2011, require companies engaged in
the provision of commercial internet content services to obtain a Value-added Telecommunication Business Operation Permit for ICP services, or an ICP
license from the relevant government authorities before providing any commercial internet content services within the PRC. “Commercial internet
content services” generally refer to provision of information service through public telecommunication network or internet for a fee. The Catalog of
Classification of Telecommunications Services promulgated by the MIIT in December 2015 and amended in June 2019 further divides ICP services into
information publication platform and delivery services, information search and inquiry services, information communities platform services, instant
message services, and information security and management services. We do not believe our P4P services conducted by our certain PRC subsidiaries are
categorized as part of internet content services that require an ICP license under these regulations. Although Baidu Online conducts part of the P4P
business by, among other things, examining and filtering P4P keywords, interacting with potential P4P customers, engaging in sales activities with our
customers, P4P search results are displayed on the websites operated by Baidu Netcom, including Baidu.com. Baidu Netcom, as the owner of our
domain name Baidu.com and holder of the necessary licenses and approvals, such as an ICP license, operates the website to list P4P search results and
display other marketing and advertising content as an online marketing service provider.
In June 2020, MIIT promulgated the Notice regarding Strengthening the Management of Call Center Business, which has strengthening the
management on the admittance, codes, accessing, operation activities and certain other items.
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Regulation on Content. National security considerations are an important factor in the regulation of internet content in the PRC. The National
People’s Congress, the PRC’s national legislature, has enacted laws with respect to maintaining the security of internet operation and internet content.
Under these laws and applicable regulations, violators may be subject to penalties, including criminal sanctions, for internet content that:
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opposes the fundamental principles stated in the PRC constitution;
compromises national security, divulges state secrets, subverts state power or damages national unity;
harms the dignity or interests of the state;
incites ethnic hatred or racial discrimination or damages inter-ethnic unity;
undermines the PRC’s religious policy or propagates heretical teachings or feudal superstitions;
disseminates rumors, disturbs social order or disrupts social stability;
disseminates obscenity or pornography, encourages gambling, violence, murder or fear or incites the commission of a crime;
insults or slanders a third party or infringes upon the lawful rights and interests of a third party; or
is otherwise prohibited by law or administrative regulations.
ICP operators are required to monitor their websites, including electronic bulletin boards. They may not post or disseminate any content that falls
within the prohibited categories and must remove any such content from their websites. The PRC government may shut down the websites of ICP
license holders that violate any of the above-mentioned content restrictions and revoke their ICP licenses. For instance, in 2017, the CAC issued a series
of regulatory documents providing that an ICP operator is obligated to monitor contents displayed and disseminated by users on its platform. These
regulations apply to online services, including (i) online forum and community service, which allows users to publish information and interact with
other users on an online forum, post bar or other form of online communities, (ii) online follow-up comment service, which allows users to post threads,
reply to original content, leave messages and engage in live commenting with texts, symbols, expressions, pictures, audio/video on a website, mobile
app or other forms of interactive platform; (iii) online group chat information service, which allows users to communicate and exchange information in a
cyberspace created by the users on an online platform; (iv) online official account information service, which allows users to post texts, pictures,
audio/video and other information in the form of an official account registered by the user on a website, mobile app or other network platform. Pursuant
to these regulations, a service provider is required to, among others, (x) register and verify the identity information of each user, and (y) in the case of
publication or dissemination of prohibited contents on the platform, take prompt rectification measures, including removing and terminating
transmission of the illegal content, restricting the user right of the offender, banning the user account and shutting down the relevant forum or channel,
and report to the regulatory authority.
In addition, in November 2018, the CAC issued a notice to require ICP operators to conduct security assessments on their Internet information
services if their services include forums, blogs, microblogs, chat rooms, communication groups, public accounts, short videos, online live-streaming,
information sharing, mini programs or such other functions that provide channels for the public to express opinions or have the capability of mobilizing
the public to engage in specific activities. ICP operators must conduct self-assessment on, among others, the legality of new technology involved in the
services and the effectiveness of security risk prevention measures, and file the assessment report to local competent Internet information office and
public security authority. At the end of 2019, the CAC issued the Provisions on the Management of Network Information Content Ecology, or the CAC
Order No. 5, which became effective on March 1, 2020, to further strengthen the regulation and management of network information content. Pursuant
to the CAC Order No. 5, each network information content service platform is required, among others, (i) not to disseminate any information prohibited
by laws and regulations, such as information jeopardizing national security; (ii) to strengthen the examination of advertisements published on such
network information content service platform; (iii) to promulgate management
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rules and platform convention and improve user agreement, such that such network information content service platform could clarify users’ rights and
obligations and perform management responsibilities required by laws, regulations, rules and convention; (iv) to establish convenient means for
complaints and reports; and (v) to prepare annual work report regarding its management of network information content ecology. In addition, a network
information content service platform must not, among others, (i) utilize new technologies such as deep-learning and virtual reality to engage in activities
prohibited by laws and regulations; (ii) engage in online traffic fraud, malicious traffic rerouting and other activities related to fraudulent account, illegal
transaction account or maneuver of users’ account; or (iii) infringe a third party’s legitimate rights or seek illegal interests by way of interfering with
information display.
Restrictions on Foreign Ownership in Value-Added Telecommunications Services. Pursuant to the Provisions on Administration of Foreign-
Invested Telecommunications Enterprises, promulgated by the PRC State Council with the latest amendments becoming effective in February 2016, the
ultimate foreign equity ownership in a value-added telecommunications service provider must not exceed 50%. However, the MIIT released an
announcement in June 2015 to remove the restriction on foreign equity for “online data processing and transaction processing businesses (operational
E-commerce)” as provided in the Catalog of Telecommunication Businesses promulgated by the MIIT. The Special Administrative Measures (Negative
List) for Foreign Investment Access issued in 2020 allow a foreign investor to own more than 50% of the total equity interest in an e-commerce
business, a domestic multi-party communication business, an information storage and re-transmission business and a call center business. In order to
acquire any equity interest in a value-added telecommunication business in the PRC, a foreign investor must satisfy a number of stringent performance
and operational experience requirements, including demonstrating a good track record and experience in operating a value-added telecommunication
business overseas. Foreign investors that meet these requirements must obtain approvals from the MIIT and the MOFCOM (or the MOFCOM’s
authorized local counterparts), which retain considerable discretion in granting approvals. According to publicly available information, the PRC
government has issued telecommunication business operating licenses to only a limited number of foreign-invested companies. We believe that it would
be impracticable for us to acquire any equity interest in our consolidated affiliated entities without diverting management attention and resources.
Moreover, we believe that our contractual arrangements with these entities and the individual nominee shareholders provide us with sufficient and
effective control over these entities. Accordingly, we currently do not plan to acquire any equity interest in any of the consolidated affiliated entities.
A Notice on Intensifying the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-Added Telecommunications Services, issued by the MIIT in July
2006, prohibits domestic telecommunication service providers from leasing, transferring or selling Telecommunication Business Operating Licenses to
any foreign investor in any form, or providing any resources, sites or facilities to any foreign investor for their illegal operation of a telecommunication
business in the PRC. Pursuant to this notice, either the holder of a Value-Added Telecommunication Business Operating License or its shareholders must
directly own the domain names and trademarks used by such license holder in its provision of value-added telecommunications services. The notice
further requires each license holder to have the necessary facilities, including servers, for its approved business operations and to maintain the facilities
in the regions covered by its license. If a license holder fails to comply with the requirements in the notice or cure any non-compliance, the MIIT or its
local counterparts have the discretion to take measures against the license holder, including revoking its Value-added Telecommunication Business
Operating License. Based on the Notice regarding the Strengthening of Ongoing and Post Administration of Foreign Investment Telecommunication
Enterprises issued by MIIT in October 2020, the MIIT will not issue Examination Letter for Foreign Investment in Telecommunication Business.
Foreign invested enterprises would need to submit relevant foreign investment materials to MIIT for the establishment or change of telecommunication
operating permits.
Due to the restrictions under these PRC regulations, we operate our websites mainly through our PRC consolidated affiliated entities, such as
Baidu Netcom. Baidu Netcom is our PRC consolidated affiliated entity,
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and is considered a domestic PRC entity under PRC law given that the nominee shareholders are PRC citizens or PRC entities.
Baidu Netcom and some of our other PRC consolidated affiliated entities holds a Value-Added Telecommunication Business Operating License.
In compliance with the Notice of the MIIT on Intensifying the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-Added Telecommunications Services,
Baidu Netcom owns the necessary domain names and trademarks, including pending trademark applications, and have the necessary personnel and
facilities to operate our websites.
Regulations on Mobile Internet Applications
In June 2016, the CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet Application Information Services, or the Mobile
Application Administrative Provisions, which became effective on August 1, 2016. Pursuant to the Mobile Application Administrative Provisions, a
mobile internet app refers to an app software that runs on mobile smart devices providing information services after being pre-installed, downloaded or
embedded through other means. Mobile internet app providers refer to the owners or operators of mobile internet apps. Internet app stores refer to
platforms which provide services related to online browsing, searching and downloading of app software and releasing of development tools and
products through the internet.
Pursuant to the Mobile Application Administrative Provisions, an internet app program provider must verify a user’s mobile phone number and
other identity information under the principle of mandatory real name registration at the back-office end and voluntary real name display at the front-
office end. An internet app provider must not enable functions that can collect a user’s geographical location information, access user’s contact list,
activate the camera or recorder of the user’s mobile smart device or other functions irrelevant to its services, nor is it allowed to conduct bundle
installations of irrelevant app programs, unless it has clearly indicated to the user and obtained the user’s consent on such functions and app programs.
In respect of an internet app store service provider, the Mobile Application Administrative Provisions require that, among others, it must file a record
with the local authority within 30 days after it rolls out the internet app store service online. It must also examine the authenticity, security and legality
of internet app providers on its platform, establish a system to monitor app providers’ credit and file a record of such information with relevant
governmental authorities. If an app provider violates the regulations, the internet app store service provider must take measures to stop the violations,
including giving a warning, suspension of release, withdrawal of the app from the platform, keeping a record of the incident and reporting the incident to
the relevant governmental authorities.
In December 2016, the MIIT promulgated the Interim Measures on the Administration of Pre-Installation and Distribution of Applications for
Mobile Smart Terminals, which came into effect on July 1, 2017. The Interim Measures aim to enhance the administration of mobile apps, and require,
among others, that mobile phone manufacturers and internet information service providers must ensure that a mobile app, as well as its ancillary
resource files, configuration files and user data can be uninstalled by a user on a convenient basis, unless it is a basic function software, which refers to a
software that supports the normal functioning of the hardware and operating system of a mobile smart device.
Regulations on Internet Information Search Service
In June 2016, the CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Information Search Services, or the Search Services Administrative
Provisions, which took effect on August 1, 2016. Pursuant to the Search Services Administrative Provisions, internet information search service refers to
the service whereby users can search for information that is collected from the internet and processed by computer technology. The Search Services
Administrative Provisions requires that an internet information search service provider must not publish any information or contents prohibited by law
in the form of links, abstracts, snapshots, associative words, related search or recommendations or otherwise. If an internet information search service
provider identifies any search results that contain any information, website or app that is prohibited by law, it must stop displaying the
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search results, record the infraction and report it to the relevant governmental authority. In addition, an internet information search service provider is
prohibited from seeking illegitimate interest by means of unauthorized disconnection of links, or provision of search results containing false
information. If an internet information search service provider engages in paid search services, it must examine and verify the qualifications of its
customers of the paid search services, specify the maximum percentage of search results as paid search results on a webpage, clearly distinguish paid
search results from natural search results, and notably identify the paid search information item by item.
Regulations on News Display
Displaying news on a website and disseminating news through the internet are highly regulated in the PRC. The Provisional Measures for
Administrating Internet Websites Carrying on the News Displaying Business, jointly promulgated by the State Council News Office and the MIIT in
November 2000, require an ICP operator (other than a government authorized news unit) to obtain an approval from the State Council News Office to
post news on its website or disseminate news through the internet. Furthermore, the disseminated news must come from government-approved sources
pursuant to contracts between the ICP operator and the sources, copies of which must be filed with the relevant government authorities.
In May 2017, the CAC issued the Provisions on the Administration of Internet News Information Services, or the Internet News Regulation, and
its implementing rules, which became effective on June 1, 2017. Pursuant to the Internet News Regulation and its implementing rules, if an entity
intends to provide internet news information service, it is required to obtain an approval from the State Council News Office and receive an Internet
News Information Service License. Internet news information service refers to editing, publishing and reprinting and the dissemination platform service
of internet news through internet websites, mobile apps, forums, blogs, micro-blogs, official accounts, instant message tools, live-streaming and other
similar means. Pursuant to the Internet News Regulation, no internet news information service organizations may take the form of a foreign-invested
enterprise, whether a joint venture or a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, and no cooperation between internet news information service organizations
and foreign-invested enterprises is allowed prior to the security evaluation by the CAC.
Baidu Netcom obtained the Internet News Information Service License, which permits it to publish internet news pursuant to the relevant PRC
laws and regulations, in December 2006, and had the license renewed in October 2018.
Regulations on Internet Drug Information Services
According to the Provisions on the Administration of Internet Drug Information Services, which was promulgated by the State Food and Drug
Administration and most recently amended in November 2017, an enterprise publishing drug-related information must obtain a qualification certificate
from the provincial-level food and drug administration before it applies for the ICP license or files with the MIIT or its local provincial-level
counterpart. In addition, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress further amended the Drug Administration Law on August 26, 2019,
which became effective on December 1, 2019. An ICP service operator that provides information regarding drugs or medical devices must obtain an
Internet Drug Information Service Qualification Certificate from the applicable provincial level administrative authority.
Baidu Netcom obtained the Qualification Certificate for Internet Drug Information Services, which permits it to publish drug-related information
on its website, in November 2007, and had the certificate renewed in August 2017. We have several other entities in our group that have obtained the
Qualification Certificate for Internet Drug Information Services.
Regulations on Internet Culture Activities
The Provisional Measures for the Internet Culture Administration, promulgated by the Ministry of Culture and with the latest amendment
becoming effective in December 2017, require ICP operators engaging in
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“internet culture activities” to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Culture. The “internet culture activities” include, among other things, online
dissemination of internet cultural products and the production, reproduction, importation, distribution and broadcasting of internet cultural products. In
May 2019, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued the Circular regarding Adjusting the Scope of Approval of Internet Culture Business Permit and
Further Regulating Approval Matters to adjust the applicable scope of the Internet Culture Business Permit. Pursuant to the circular, the Ministry of
Culture and Tourism will no longer be the authority supervising the online game industry and therefore the business scope of an Internet Culture
Business Permit issued by it and its local counterparts will only cover internet cultural products including online music, online plays or programs, online
performance, online works of art, online cartoon and exhibition and online matches, but exclude online games. Imported internet cultural products are
subject to content review by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism before they are disseminated online, while domestic internet cultural products must be
filed with the local branch of the Ministry of Culture within 30 days following the online dissemination. Service providers are also required to conduct
self-review of the content of internet cultural products before they are put on the internet or submitted to the Ministry of Culture for approvals or filings.
Baidu Netcom was granted an Internet Culture Business Permit in April 2007, which was renewed again in September 2018. Some other entities in our
group have also obtained an Internet Culture Business Permit.
The Several Suggestions on the Development and Administration of Internet Music, issued by the Ministry of Culture and becoming effective in
November 2006, reiterate the requirement for an internet service provider to obtain the Internet Culture Business Permit to carry on any business of
internet music products. In addition, foreign investors are prohibited from engaging in the internet culture business operation.
In October 2015, the Ministry of Culture promulgated a notice, which took effect on January 1, 2016, to further strengthen its regulation over
online music, including requiring online platforms that allow users to upload self-created or performed music to set up real-time monitoring systems and
requiring online music service providers to make quarterly filings of information related to their content self-review with the local counterpart of the
Ministry of Culture from April 1, 2016.
The Regulations for the Administration of Audio and Video Products, as released by the State Council in December 2001 and last amended in
November 2020, require that the publication, production, duplication, importation, wholesale, retail and renting of audio and video products are subject
to a license issued by competent authorities.
Regulations on Internet Publishing
In February 2016, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (currently known as the National Press and
Publication Administration, or the NPPA, and the MIIT jointly issued the Administrative Provisions on Internet Publishing Service, which took effect on
March 10, 2016, and replaced the Interim Provisions for the Administration of Internet Publishing promulgated in 2002. The Internet Publishing
Regulation requires that any entity engaged in the provision of online publications to the public via information networks obtain an Internet Publication
License from the NPPA. Online publications refer to digital works with editing, production, processing and other publishing features, provided to the
public via information networks, which mainly include: (i) informative and thoughtful text, pictures, maps, games, animation, audio and video digitizing
books and other original digital works in fields such as literature, art and science, (ii) digital works consistent with the content of published books,
newspapers, periodicals, audio-visual products and electronic publications, (iii) the network literature database or other digital works formed through
aforementioned works by selecting, organizing, compiling and other means, and (iv) other types of digital works determined by the NPPA. The servers
and storage facilities used by internet publishers must be located within the territory of the PRC. The Internet Publishing Regulation also provides that
when an internet service provider provides manual intervention search ranking, advertising, promotion and other services to customers that provide
internet publishing services, it is required to check and examine the Internet Publication Licenses obtained by the customers and the business scope of
such licenses.
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Regulations on Production and Operation of Audio/Video Programs
Under the Regulations on the Administration of Production of Radio and Television Programs issued by the SARFT in July 2004 and recently
partly amended in October 2020, any entities that engage in the production of radio and television programs are required to apply for a Permit for
Production and Operation of Radio and TV Programs from the competent administrative authority. Entities with this permit must conduct their business
operations in compliance with the approved scope of production and operation.
On March 17, 2010, the SARFT issued the Internet Audio/Video Program Services Categories (Provisional), or the Provisional Categories, which
were amended on March 10, 2017. The amended Provisional Categories classified Internet audio/video programs into four categories, which are further
divided into seventeen sub-categories.
Regulations on Broadcasting Audio/Video Programs through the Internet
In December 2007, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or the SARFT (currently known as NRTA) and the MIIT jointly
promulgated the Rules for the Administration of Internet Audio and Video Program Services, commonly known as “Document 56,” which took effect on
January 31, 2008 and was further amended on August 28, 2015. Pursuant to Document 56, an online audio/video service provider must obtain an Online
Audio/Video Program Transmission License, which has a term of three years, and operate in accordance with the scope of the business as stipulated in
the license. Furthermore, Document 56 requires all online audio/video service providers to be either wholly state-owned or state-controlled. According
to some official answers to press inquiries published on the SARFT’s website in February 2008, officials from the SARFT and the MIIT clarified that
online audio/video service providers that already had been operating lawfully prior to the issuance of Document 56 may re-register and continue to
operate without becoming state-owned or controlled, provided that the providers have not engaged in any unlawful activities. This exemption will not be
granted to online audio/video service providers established after Document 56 was issued. In addition, foreign-invested enterprises are not allowed to
engage in the above-mentioned businesses. On March 16, 2018, the NRTA issued the Notice on Further Regulating the Transmission Orders of Internet
Audio and Video Program, pursuant to which, among others, (i) online streaming platforms shall not illegally capture, edit, or reprogram audio-video
programs, (ii) the movie clips and prevue broadcasted on the platform shall come from the licensed broadcasting and television programs; and (iii) the
platform shall verify qualifications of sponsors for programs on the platform and shall refrain from accepting sponsorship or advertising from or
cooperating in any other form with any unlicensed online audio/video service providers.
According to Document 56 and other relevant laws and regulations, audio-video programs provided by the entities supplying Internet audio-video
program services shall not contain any illegal content or other content prohibited by the laws and regulations, such as any content against the basic
principles in the PRC Constitution, any content that damages the sovereignty of the country or national security, and any content that disturbs social
order or undermine social stability. An audio-video program that has already been broadcast shall be retained in full for at least 60 days. Movies,
television programs and other media content used as Internet audio-video programs shall comply with relevant administrative regulations on programs
broadcasts through radio, movie and television channels. Entities providing services related to Internet audio-video programs shall immediately delete
the audio-video programs violating laws and regulations, keep relevant records, report relevant authorities and implement other regulatory requirements.
On October 31, 2018, the NRTA issued the Notice on Further Strengthening the Management of Radio and Television and Network Audiovisual
Cultural Programs, or Notice 60. According to Notice 60, all radio and television broadcasting institutes, network audiovisual program service institutes
and program production institutes shall stick to the right political direction and strengthen value guidance; pursue people-centered creative orientation to
curb bad tendencies such as pursuing celebrities, pan-entertainment and so on; persist in providing high-quality content, constantly innovate programs,
and strictly control the remuneration of guests; and
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strengthen the governance of TV series, network series (including network movies) to promote the benign development of the industry; shall strengthen
the use and management of ratings (click-through rate) survey data and resolutely crack down on ratings (click-through rate) forgeries, etc.
On May 27, 2016, SAPPRFT issued the Notice on Relevant Issues concerning Implementing the Approval Works of Upgrading Mobile Internet
Audio-Video Program Service, or the Mobile Audio-Video Program Notice. The Mobile Audio-Video Program Notice provides that the mobile Internet
audio-video program services shall be deemed Internet audio-video program service. Entities which have obtained the approvals to provide the Internet
audio-video program services may use mobile WAP websites or mobile applications to provide audio-video program services. Entities with regulatory
approvals may operate mobile applications to provide the audio-video program services. The types of the programs shall be within the permitted scope
as provided in the licenses and such mobile applications shall be filed with the NRTA and/or SFB.
The PRC government has also promulgated a series of special regulatory measures governing live-streaming services. In November 2016, the
CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Live-streaming Service, which took effect on December 1, 2016. Pursuant to the
Administrative Provisions, internet live-streaming service refers to continuous publishing of real-time information to the public on internet by means of
video, audio, graphics, text or other forms, and an internet live-streaming service provider refers to an operator of the platform providing internet live-
streaming service. In accordance with the administrative provisions, an internet live-streaming service provider must verify and register the identity
information of publishers of live-streaming programs and users on its platform, and file the identity information of the publishers with the local
governmental authority for record. Any internet live-streaming service provider engaging in news service must obtain internet news information service
qualification and operate within the permitted scope of such qualification. In September 2016, the SAPPRFT issued the Circular on Strengthening
Administration of Live-streaming Service of Network Audio/Video Programs. Pursuant to the circular, any entity that intends to engage in live
audio/video broadcasting of major political, military, economic, social, cultural or sport events or activities, or live audio/video broadcasting of general
social or cultural group activities, general sporting events or other organizational events, must obtain an Online Audio/Video Program Transmission
License with a permitted operation scope covering the above business activities. Any entity or individual without qualification is prohibited from
broadcasting live audio/radio programs involving news, variety shows, sports, interviews, commentary or other forms of programs through any online
live-streaming platform or online live broadcasting booth, nor are they permitted to start a live broadcasting channel for any audio or radio programs. In
addition, no entity or individual other than licensed radio stations or television stations are allowed to use “radio station,” “television station,”
“broadcasting station,” “TV” or other descriptive terms exclusive to television and radio broadcasting organizations to engage in any business on the
internet without approval. Furthermore, the CAC issued a notice in July 2017 which requires operators of internet news and information reproduction
and broadcasting services, including commercial website apps that contain live-streaming features, and other internet live-streaming services, to file
with the local CAC starting from July 15, 2017. The Circular on Tightening the Administration of Internet Live-Streaming Services jointly issued jointly
by the MIIT, the CAC and several other government agencies in August 2018 reiterates the license requirements for online-streaming service providers
and requires the operator to file with the local public security authority within 30 days after it commences the service online.
On March 29, 2019, the Administrative Provisions on Minor-oriented Programs was issued by the NRTA and has become effective since April 30,
2019. According to these provisions, network audio-visual programs with minors as their main participants or recipients shall not contain any contents
which are harmful to the minors, such as violence, pornography, heresy, superstition, drug taking and other illegal contents. On November 18, 2019, the
CAC, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the NRTA jointly issued the Administrative Provisions on Online Audio-visual Information Services, or
Circular No. 3, which took effective on January 1, 2020. According to the Circular No. 3, Online Audio-visual Information Services refer to the services
of producing, publishing and disseminating audio-visual information offered to the public via Internet platforms, such as websites and application
programs. Circular No. 3 requires that no individual or entity is
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allowed to (i) use the online audio-visual information services or related technologies to engage in any activities which may jeopardize national security,
undermine social stability or infringe legitimate right of others; (ii) produce, publish or disseminate any audio-visual information prohibited by the laws
and regulations, such as Internet rumors. A provider of audio-visual information services must establish, maintain and optimize a rumors refuting
regime, under which once it identifies that any user of audio-visual information services produces, publishes or disseminates any rumor by virtue of the
technology of producing forged pictures or audio-visual information based on deep-learning or virtual reality, such provider must take measures to refute
such rumors in a timely manner and file such situations with the competent authorities governing Internet information, culture and tourism, and radio
and television.
Baidu Netcom has renewed its Online Audio/Video Program Transmission License, which remains valid until July 2021. iQIYI has an Online
Audio/Video Program Transmission License that is valid until October 2021. Another entity in our group has an Online Audio/Video Program
Transmission License that is valid until March 2023.
Regulations on Internet Map Services
According to the Administrative Rules of Surveying Qualification Certificate, as most recently amended by the National Administration of
Surveying, Mapping and Geo-information (a.k.a. the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping) in August 2014, the provision of internet map services by
any non-surveying and mapping enterprise is subject to the approval of the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geo-information and
requires a Surveying and Mapping Qualification Certificate. Internet maps refer to maps called or transmitted through the internet. Pursuant to the
Notice on Further Strengthening the Administration of Internet Map Services Qualification issued by the National Administration of Surveying,
Mapping and Geo-information in December 2011, any entity without a Surveying and Mapping Qualification Certificate for internet map services is
prohibited from providing any internet map services. According to the Provisions on the Administration of Examination of Maps most recently amended
on July 24, 2019, subject to limited exceptions, an enterprise must first apply for an approval by the relevant regulatory authority, if it intends to engage
in any of the following activities: (i) publication, display, production, posting, import or export of a map or a product attached with a map,
(ii) re-publication, re-display, re-production, re-posting, re-import or re-export of a map the content of which has been changed after it is approved, or
other commercial products attached with such a map, and (iii) publication or display of a map or a product attached with a map overseas. The operator
of an approved internet map is required to file the updated contents of the map with the relevant regulatory authority semi-annually, and re-apply for a
new approval of the map when the two-year term of the existing approval expires.
Baidu Netcom provides online traffic information inquiry services as well as internet map services and has obtained a Surveying and Mapping
Qualification Certificate for internet map services. Another entity in our group has also obtained the Surveying and Mapping Qualification Certificate.
In accordance with the Provisions on the Administration of Examination of Maps, we have initiated the application for examination and approval of the
maps that are used in our products.
Regulations on Online Games
Pursuant to the Internet Publishing Regulation and the Circular on Mobile Game Publishing Service, the online games services provided on
websites by online game operator partners may be deemed as a type of “online publication service”, and may be required to obtain an Internet
Publication License from the NPPA. Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Perusal, and another entity in our group have obtained the Internet
Publication Licenses. The required approval by the NNPA of each online game provided on our websites is handled by our online game operator
partners.
In September 2009, the General Administration of Press and Publication (currently known as the NPPA) together with several other government
agencies issued Notice Regarding the Consistent Implementation of the
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“Measures on Three Provisions” of the State Council and the Relevant Interpretations of the State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform and the
Further Strengthening of the Administration of Examination and Approval of Online Games and the Examination and Approval of Imported Online
Games, or the Circular 13, which explicitly prohibits foreign investors from participating in online game operating businesses through wholly-owned
enterprises, equity joint ventures or cooperative joint ventures in the PRC. Circular 13 expressly prohibits foreign investors from gaining control over or
participating in PRC operating companies’ online game operations through indirect means, such as establishing joint venture companies, entering into
contractual arrangements with or providing technical support to the operating companies, or through a disguised form, such as incorporating user
registration, user account management or payment through game cards into online game platforms that are ultimately controlled or owned by foreign
investors. Certain foreign companies offer online games provided by their game operator partners on websites or through smartphone app distribution
platforms which are owned and operated by their consolidated affiliated entities under contractual agreements. If such contractual arrangements were
deemed to be “indirect means” or “disguised form” under Circular 13, such relevant contractual arrangements may be challenged by the NPPA or other
governmental authorities. If we were found to be in violation of Circular 13 in the operation of our online game platform, the NNPA, in conjunction with
relevant regulatory authorities, would have the power to investigate and deal with such violations, including in the most serious cases, suspending and
revoking the relevant licenses and registrations.
In October 2019, the NPPA promulgated the Circular on Preventing Minors from Developing Online Game Addictions, which mandates that
online game operators take, among others, the following measures to prevent minors from being addicted to online games: (i) the operator shall ensure
that its online game users use valid and true identity information to register their game accounts; (ii) the operator shall strictly control the time slot and
duration allowed for minors to log in and play online games to the extent that it shall not provide any game service for the minors in any form from
10:00 PM each day to 8:00 AM the next day, and the length of time a minor spends in playing its online games must not exceed three hours
accumulatively on each statutory holiday and one and a half hours on each business day; and (iii) the online game operator shall not offer any paid
services to minors that are not suitable for their civil capacity. According to such circular, these requirements are pre-conditions for an operator to
publish and operate any online game.
Regulations on Online Game Virtual Currency
The Interim Administration Measures of Online Games, which has been repealed on July 10, 2019 (while no other regulation has been issued or
promulgated as of the date of this annual report to replace this regulation) require companies that (i) issue online game virtual currency (including
prepaid cards and/or pre-payment or prepaid card points) or (ii) offer online game virtual currency transaction services to apply for the Internet Culture
Business Permit from provincial branches of the Ministry of Culture. The regulations prohibit companies that issue online game virtual currency from
providing services that would enable the trading of such virtual currency. Any company that fails to submit the requisite application will be subject to
sanctions, including but not limited to termination of operation, confiscation of incomes and fines. The regulations also prohibit online game operators
from allocating virtual items or virtual currency to players based on random selection through lucky draw, wager or lottery that involve cash or virtual
currency directly paid by the players. In addition, companies that issue online game virtual currency must comply with certain specific requirements. For
example, online games virtual currency can only be used for products and services related to the issuance company’s own online games. Pursuant to the
Circular on Regulating Online Game Operation and Strengthening Interim and Ex Post Supervision issued by the Ministry of Culture in December 2016,
which took effect on May 1, 2017 and repealed on August 19, 2019, an online game operator must not allow online game virtual currency to exchange
for legal currency or items, except in the case of termination of online game operation where the online game operator may refund the balance of online
game virtual currency to players in the form of legal currency or in other means acceptable to the players. Moreover, pursuant to the circular, regulations
applicable to online game virtual currency also apply to such other virtual items where the virtual items are issued by the online game operator, can be
exchangeable for other virtual items or value-added services related to the games, and can be purchased with legal currency or online game virtual
currency or exchanged for online game virtual currency. As
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of the date of this annual report, no government authority has issued or promulgated any provisions to replace the above-mentioned regulations.
Regulations on Advertisements and Online Advertising
The PRC government regulates advertising, including online advertising, principally through the State Administration for Market Regulation. The
PRC Advertising Law, as recently amended in October 2018, outlines the regulatory framework for the advertising industry, and allows foreign investors
to own up to all equity interests in PRC advertising companies.
We conduct our value-added telecommunication-based online advertising business through Baidu Netcom, which is one of our consolidated
affiliated entities in China and holds a business license that covers value-added telecommunication-based online advertising in its business scope. Our
subsidiaries Baidu Times and Baidu China have also expanded their respective business license to cover advertising in their respective business scope.
Advertisers, advertising operators and advertising distributors are required by PRC advertising laws and regulations to ensure that the contents of
the advertisements they prepare or distribute are true and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. For example, pursuant to PRC
Advertising Law, advertisements must not contain, among other prohibited contents, terms such as “the state-level,” “the highest grade,” “the best” or
other similar words. In addition, where a special government review is required for certain categories of advertisements before publishing, the
advertisers, advertising operators and advertising distributors are obligated to confirm that such review has been performed and the relevant approval
has been obtained. Pursuant to the PRC Advertising Law, the use of the internet to distribute advertisements shall not affect the normal use of the
internet by users. Particularly, advertisements distributed on internet pages such as pop-up advertisements shall be indicated with a conspicuous mark for
“close” to ensure the close of such advertisements by one click. Where internet information service providers know or should know that illegal
advertisements are being distributed using their services, they shall prevent such advertisements from being distributed.
In addition to the above regulations, the Interim Administration Measures of Internet Advertising which was promulgated by the then State
Administration for Industry and Commerce (currently known as the SAMR) and became effective on September 1, 2016 also set forth certain
compliance requirements for online advertising businesses. For example, search engine service providers must indicate paid search results as an
advertisement and distinguish paid search results from natural search results on their websites. Advertising operators and distributors of internet
advertisements must examine, verify and record identity information, such as name, address and contact information, of advertisers, and maintain an
updated verification record on a regular basis. Moreover, advertising operators and advertising distributors must examine supporting documentation
provided by advertisers and verify the contents of the advertisements against supporting documents before publishing. If the contents of advertisements
are inconsistent with the supporting documentation, or the supporting documentation is incomplete, advertising operators and distributors must refrain
from providing design, production, agency or publishing services. The Internet Advertising Measures also prohibit the following activities: (i) providing
or using apps and hardware to block, filter, skip over, tamper with, or cover up lawful advertisements; (ii) using network access, network equipment and
apps to disrupt the normal transmission of lawful advertisements or adding or uploading advertisements without authorization; and (iii) harming the
interests of a third party by using fake statistics or traffic data.
The SAMR has promulgated the Guidance regarding Strengthening the Supervision over Marketing Activities by Internet Live-Streaming in
November 2020 to further regulated marketing activities by Internet live-streaming. The NRTA also issued a circular on the Strengthening Management
of Live-Streaming of Internet Shows and Electronic Commerce in November 2020 to provide instruction to online marketing activities through live-
streaming. Platforms providing live-streaming of Internet show or electronic commerce shall register with National Internet Video-audio Platform
Information Management System no later than November 30, 2020. The overall ratio of front-line content reviewers to live-streaming rooms on such
platforms shall be no less than 1:50.
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The training for content reviewers shall be strengthened and content reviewers who have passed the training shall be registered in the Reviewer
Information Management System. A platform shall report the number of its live-streaming rooms, streamers and content reviewers to the provincial
branch of the NRTA on a quarterly basis. Internet show live-streaming platforms shall tag content of live-streaming rooms and corresponding streamers
by category. A streamer cannot change the category of the programs tagged in his or her live-streaming room without prior approval from the platform.
Users that are minors or without real-name registration are prohibited from virtual tipping, and platforms shall cap the amount of virtual tipping per
time, per day, and per month. When the virtual tipping by a user reaches half of the daily/monthly limit, a consumption notification from the platform
and a confirmation from the user by text messages or other means are required before the processing the next transaction. When the amount of virtual
tipping by a user reaches the daily/monthly limit, the platform shall suspend the virtual tipping function for such user for that day or month. To host any
electronic commerce promotion events such as E-commerce Festival, E-commerce Day or Promotion Day in the forms of live-streaming rooms, live
performances, live variety shows and other live programs, the platforms shall register the information of guests, streamers, content and settings with the
local branch of NRTA 14 business days in advance. Internet electronic commerce live-streaming platforms shall conduct relevant qualification
examination and real-name authentication on businesses and individuals providing live-streaming marketing services and keep complete examination
and authentication records, and shall not enable imposters or businesses or individuals without qualification or real-name registration to conduct live-
streaming marketing services.
Violation of these regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the
advertisements and orders to publish an advertisement correcting the misleading information. In the case of serious violations, the SAMR or its local
branches may force the violator to terminate its advertising operation or even revoke its business license. Furthermore, advertisers, advertising operators
or advertising distributors may be subject to civil liability if they infringe on the legal rights and interests of third parties.
Regulations on Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Driving Vehicles
We engage in the research and development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and products, specifically autonomous driving vehicles. The
Chinese government has issued a series of guidelines to encourage and support the research and development of AI technology, such as the Three-Year
Implementing Plan for Internet Plus Artificial Intelligence issued in May 2016 and the Development Planning on the New Generation of Artificial
Intelligence issued in July 2017. In particular, the MIIT, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Transport, issued the Circular on the Norms
on Administration of Road Testing of Autonomous Driving Vehicles (Trial Implementation) in April 2018, which became effective from May 1, 2018
and is the primary regulation governing protocol of road testing of autonomous driving vehicles in the PRC. Pursuant to this circular, any entity
intending to conduct a road testing of autonomous driving vehicles must apply for and obtain a road-testing certificate and a temporary license plate for
each tested car. To qualify for these required licenses, an applicant entity must satisfy, among others, the following requirements: (i) it must be an
independent legal person registered under PRC law with the capacity to conduct manufacturing, technological research or testing of automobiles and
automobile parts, which has established protocol to test and assess the performance of autonomous driving system and is capable of conducting real-
time remote monitor of the tested cars; (ii) the vehicle under road testing must be equipped with a driving system that can switch between autonomous
pilot model and human driving model in a safe, quick and simple manner and allows human driver to take control of the vehicle any time immediately
when necessary; (iii) the tested vehicle must be equipped with the function of recording, storing and real-time monitoring the condition of the vehicle
and is able to transmit real-time data of the vehicle, such as the driving model, location and speed; (iv) the applicant entity must sign an employment
contract or a labor service contract with the driver of the tested vehicle, who must be a licensed driver with more than three years’ driving experience
and a track record of safe driving and is familiar with the testing protocol for autonomous driving system and proficient in operating the system; (v) the
applicant entity must insure each tested vehicle for at least RMB5 million against car accidents or provide a letter of guarantee covering the same.
During testing, the testing entity should post a noticeable identification logo for autonomous driving test on each
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tested car and should not use autonomous driving model unless in the permitted testing areas specified in the road-testing certificate. If the testing entity
intends to conduct road testing in the region beyond the administrative territory of the certificate issuing authority, it must apply for a separate road-
testing certificate and a separate temporary license plate from the relevant authority supervising the road-testing of autonomous cars in that region. In
addition, the testing entity is required to submit to the road-testing certificate issuing authority a periodical testing report every six months and a final
testing report within one month after completion of the road testing. In the case of a car accident causing severe injury or death of personnel or vehicle
damage, the testing entity must report the accident to the road-testing certificate issuing authority within 24 hours and submit a comprehensive analysis
report in writing covering cause analysis, final liability allocation results, etc. within five working days after the traffic enforcement agency determines
the liability for the accident. Some local governments, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Hunan and Tianjin, have issued local rules and regulations
to regulate road testing of autonomous driving cars accordingly.
Regulation on Product Quality
Products made in mainland China shall be subject to the Product Quality Law of the PRC, or the Product Quality Law, which was promulgated on
February 22, 1993 and most recently amended on December 29, 2018. According to the Product Quality Law, a seller of a product shall be responsible
for repairing, replacing or returning the product with any of the following defects, and shall compensate for the damages incurred by consumers who
bought such defective product: (i) the product does not have the usability which such product should have and there are no prior indications about such
situation; (ii) the actual quality of such product fails to comply with the standards specified on such product or the package of such product; and (iii) the
actual quality of such product fails to meet the quality status specified by way of product specifications and samples. After the seller performs its
obligation of repairing, replacing and returning the defective product and/or compensating for the customers’ damages, such seller is entitled to seek
reimbursement from the manufacturer of such product, if it could be proved that the defect is caused by the manufacturer. According to the Product
Quality Law, a manufacturer of a product shall be responsible to compensate for the damages to any person caused by the defect of such product, unless
the manufacturer is able to prove that: (i) it did not circulate the product; (ii) the defect did not exist at the time when the product was circulated; or
(iii) scientific or technologic knowledge at the time when such product was circulated was not such that it allowed the defect to be discovered.
Regulations on Tort Liability
In accordance with the Tort Liability Law of the PRC, or the Tort Liability Law, which became effective in July 2010, internet users and internet
service providers bear tortious liabilities in the event that they infringe upon other persons’ rights and interests through the internet. Where an internet
user conducts tortious acts through internet services, the infringed person has the right to request the internet service provider take necessary actions
such as deleting contents, screening and de-linking. Failing to take necessary actions after being informed, the internet service provider will be subject to
joint and several liabilities with the internet user with regard to the additional damages incurred. Where an internet service provider knows that an
internet user is infringing upon other persons’ rights and interests through its internet service but fails to take necessary actions, it is jointly and severally
liable with the internet user. In addition, in accordance with the Tort Liability Law, in the event of any damage arising from a defective product, the
infringed person may seek compensation from either the manufacturer or the seller of such product. If the manufacturer has compensated the infringed
person but the defect is caused by the fault of the seller, the manufacturer is entitled to seek reimbursement from the seller. If the seller has compensated
the infringed person but the defect is caused by the manufacturer, the seller is entitled to seek reimbursement from the manufacturer. The National
People’s Congress adopted the Civil Code of the PRC, or the Civil Code on May 28, 2020, which came into effect on January 1, 2021 and revoked the
Tort Liability Law. The Civil Code has further revised the Internet tort liability as originally provided in the Tort Liability Law. It has further elaborated
on “safe harbor” rule with respect to an internet service provider from both the aspects of notice and counter notice, including (i) upon receiving notice
from the right holder, promptly adopting necessary protective measures such as deletion, screening or disconnection of hyperlinks and reefing
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right holder’s notice to disputed internet user; and (ii) upon receiving counter-notice from the disputed internet user, referring such counter-notice to the
claiming right holder and informing him/her to take other corresponding measures such as filing complaint with competent authorities or suit with
courts. The Civil Code has also provides that where the internet service provider knew or should have known the infringing acts of the internet user, it
shall be severally liable with such internet user. As for product liability, the Civil Code provides additional mitigation measures such as stop selling of
defective products and stipulated that the seller and manufacturer shall also be liable for expanded damages caused by such defective products if no
mitigation measures are provided or not sufficient. If a recall of defective product is required, the seller and the manufacturer shall be responsible to
undertake fees paid by infringed users.
Regulations on Intellectual Property Rights
The PRC has adopted legislation governing intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and domain names.
Patent. The Patent Law of the PRC provides for patentable inventions, utility models and designs, which must meet three conditions: novelty,
inventiveness and practical applicability. The State Intellectual Property Office under the State Council is responsible for examining and approving
patent applications. A patent is valid for a term of twenty years in the case of an invention and a term of ten years in the case of utility models and
designs.
Copyright. The Copyright Law of the PRC, or the Copyright Law, and its implementation rules extend copyright protection to products
disseminated over the internet and computer software. There is a voluntary registration system administered by the China Copyright Protection Center.
Creators of protected works enjoy personal and property rights, including, among others, the right of disseminating the works through information
networks.
Pursuant to the relevant PRC regulations, rules and interpretations, ICP operators will be jointly liable with the infringer if they (a) participate in,
assist in or abet infringing activities committed by any other person through the internet, (b) are or should be aware of the infringing activities
committed by their website users through the internet, or (c) fail to remove infringing content or take other action to eliminate infringing consequences
after receiving a warning with evidence of such infringing activities from the copyright holder. The court will determine whether an internet service
provider should have known of their internet users’ infringing activities based on how obvious the infringing activities are by taking into consideration a
number of factors, including (i) the information management capabilities that the provider should have based on the possibility that the services
provided by it may trigger infringing acts, (ii) the degree of obviousness of the infringing content, (iii) whether it has taken the initiative to select, edit,
modify or recommend the contents involved, (iv) whether it has taken positive and reasonable measures against infringing acts, and (v) whether it has
set up convenient programs to receive notices of infringement and made timely and reasonable responses to the notices. Where an internet service
provider has directly obtained economic benefits from any contents made available by an internet user, it shall have a higher duty of care with respect to
the internet user’s act of infringement of others’ copyrights. Advertisements placed for or other benefits particularly connected with specific contents
may be deemed as direct economic benefits from such contents, but general advertising fees or service fees charged by an internet service provider for
its internet services will not be included. In addition, where an ICP operator is clearly aware of the infringement of certain content against another’s
copyright through the internet, or fails to take measures to remove relevant contents upon receipt of the copyright holder’s notice, and as a result, it
damages the public interest, the ICP operator could be ordered to stop the tortious act and be subject to other administrative penalties such as
confiscation of illegal income and fines. An ICP operator is also required to retain all infringement notices for a minimum of six months and to record
the content, display time and IP addresses or the domain names related to the infringement for a minimum of 60 days.
Pursuant to the Copyright Law and its implementation rules, creators of protected works enjoy personal and property rights such as the right of
disseminating the works through information networks. In addition, the
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Regulations for the Protection of Information Network Transmission Right promulgated by the State Council on May 18, 2006, and amended on January
30, 2013, specify the rules on a safe harbor for use of copyrights and copyright management technology. An internet service provider may be exempted
from liabilities for providing links to infringing or illegal content or providing other internet services which are used by its users to infringe others’
copyright, if it does not know and does not have constructive knowledge that such content is infringing upon other parties’ rights or is illegal. However,
if the legitimate owner of the content notifies the internet service provider and requests removal of the links to the infringing content, the internet service
provider would be deemed to have constructive knowledge upon receipt of such notification, but would be exempted from liabilities if it removes or
disconnects the links to the infringing content at the request of the legitimate owner. At the request of the alleged infringer, the internet service provider
should immediately restore links to content previously disconnected upon receipt of initial non-infringing evidence.
We have adopted measures to mitigate copyright infringement risks. For example, our policy is to remove links to web pages and materials
uploaded by the users if we know these web pages or materials contain materials that infringe upon third-party rights or if we are notified by the
legitimate copyright holder of the infringement with proper evidence.
Software Products. The Regulation for the Protection of Computer Software promulgated by the State Council on December 20, 2001 and last
amended on January 30, 2013. To further implementing this regulation, the Computer Software Copyright Registration Measures promulgated by the
China Copyright Office on February 20, 2002, regulates software copyright registration, exclusive licensing contracts of software copyright and transfer
agreements. Although such registration is not mandatory under PRC law, software copyright owners are encouraged to go through the registration
process and registered software may receive better protection.
Trademark. The Trademark Law of the PRC and its implementation rules protect registered trademarks. The Trademark Office of National
Intellectual Property Administration under the SAMR handles trademark registrations and grants a term of ten years to registered trademarks. Trademark
license agreements must be filed with the Trademark Office of National Intellectual Property Administration for record. “(cid:0)(cid:0)” is recognized as a well-
known trademark in China by the Trademark Office of National Intellectual Property Administration under the State Administration for Market
Regulation. In addition to owning “(cid:0)(cid:0)” and the related logos, we have applied for registration of various other trademarks.
Domain name. Domain names are protected under the Administrative Measures on the Internet Domain Names promulgated by the MIIT in
August 2017, which became effective in November 2017. The MIIT is the major regulatory body responsible for the administration of the PRC internet
domain names, and under the supervision of the MIIT, the China Internet Network Information Center, or CNNIC, is responsible for the daily
administration of “.cn” domain names and Chinese domain names. According to the Circular on Administration of the Use of Domain Names for
Internet Information Services issued by the MIIT in November 2017, only the internet information service provider itself or the shareholder(s), principal
or senior management officer(s) of the internet information service provider are eligible to register the domain names used for the internet information
services. We have registered Baidu.cn, Baidu.com.cn, hao123.com and certain other domain names with CNNIC.
Regulations on Information Security
The National People’s Congress has enacted legislation that prohibits use of the internet that breaches the public security, disseminates socially
destabilizing content or leaks state secrets. Breach of public security includes breach of national security and infringement on legal rights and interests
of the state, society or citizens. Socially destabilizing content includes any content that incites defiance or violations of PRC laws or regulations or
subversion of the PRC government or its political system, spreads socially disruptive rumors or involves cult activities, superstition, obscenities,
pornography, gambling or violence. State secrets are defined broadly to include information concerning PRC national defense, state affairs and other
matters as determined by the PRC authorities.
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Pursuant to applicable regulations, ICP operators must complete mandatory security filing procedures and regularly update information security
and censorship systems for their websites with local public security authorities, and must also report any public dissemination of prohibited content.
In December 2015, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Anti-Terrorism Law of the PRC, or the Anti-
Terrorism Law, which took effect on January 1, 2016 and was amended on April 27, 2018. According to the Anti-Terrorism Law, telecommunication
service operators or internet service providers shall (i) carry out pertinent anti-terrorism publicity and education to society; (ii) provide technical
interfaces, decryption and other technical support and assistance for the competent departments to prevent and investigate terrorist activities;
(iii) implement network security and information monitoring systems as well as safety and technical prevention measures to avoid the dissemination of
terrorism information, delete the terrorism information, immediately halt its dissemination, keep relevant records and report to the competent
departments once the terrorism information is discovered; and (iv) examine customer identities before providing services. Any violation of the Anti-
Terrorism Law may result in severe penalties, including substantial fines.
In November 2016, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Cyber Security Law of the PRC, or the Cyber
Security Law, which took effect on June 1, 2017. In accordance with the Cyber Security Law, network operators must comply with applicable laws and
regulations and fulfill their obligations to safeguard network security in conducting business and providing services. Network service providers must
take technical and other necessary measures as required by laws, regulations and mandatory requirements to safeguard the operation of networks,
respond to network security effectively, prevent illegal and criminal activities, and maintain the integrity, confidentiality and usability of network data.
In addition, the State Secrecy Bureau has issued provisions authorizing the blocking of access to any website it deems to be leaking state secrets or
failing to comply with the relevant legislation regarding the protection of state secrets during online information distribution. Specifically, internet
companies in the PRC with bulletin boards, chat rooms or similar services must apply for specific approval prior to operating such services.
Furthermore, the Provisions on Technological Measures for Internet Security Protection, promulgated by the Ministry of Public Security and
became effective in March 2006, require all ICP operators to keep records of certain information about its users (including user registration information,
log-in and log-out time, IP address, content and time of posts by users) for at least 60 days and submit the above information as required by laws and
regulations. The Decision on Strengthening Network Information Protection, which was promulgated by the PRC National People’s Congress in
December 2012, states that ICP operators must request identity information from users when ICP operators provide information publication services to
the users. If ICP operators come across prohibited information, they must immediately cease the transmission of such information, delete the
information, keep relevant records, and report to relevant government authorities.
On October 21, 2019, the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the PRC jointly issued the Interpretations on Certain
Issues Regarding the Applicable of Law in the Handling of Criminal Case Involving Illegal Use of Information Networks and Assisting Committing
Internet Crimes, which came into effect on November 1, 2019, and further clarifies the meaning of Internet service provider and the severe situations of
the relevant crimes.
Baidu Netcom and some other entities in our group are ICP operators, and are therefore subject to the regulations relating to information security.
They have taken measures to comply with these regulations. They are registered with the relevant government authority in accordance with the
mandatory registration requirement. Baidu Netcom’s policy is to remove links to web pages which to its knowledge contain information that would be in
violation of PRC laws or regulations. In addition, we monitor our websites to ensure our compliance with the above-mentioned laws and regulations.
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Regulations on Internet Privacy
The PRC Constitution states that PRC law protects the freedom and privacy of communications of citizens and prohibits infringement of these
rights. In recent years, PRC government authorities have enacted legislation on internet use to protect personal information from any unauthorized
disclosure. The Network Information Protection Decision provides that electronic information that identifies a citizen or involves privacy of any citizen
is protected by law and must not be unlawfully collected or provided to others. ICP operators collecting or using personal electronic information of
citizens must specify the purposes, manners and scopes of information collection and uses, obtain consent of the relevant citizens, and keep the collected
personal information confidential. ICP operators are prohibited from disclosing, tampering with, damaging, selling or illegally providing others with,
collected personal information. ICP operators are required to take technical and other measures to prevent the collected personal information from any
unauthorized disclosure, damage or loss. The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services prohibit an ICP operator from insulting or
slandering a third party or infringing upon the lawful rights and interests of a third party. According to the Provisions on Protection of Personal
Information of Telecommunication and Internet Users, which was promulgated by MIIT and became effective in September 2013, telecommunication
business operators and ICP operators are responsible for the security of the personal information of users they collect or use in the course of their
provision of services. Without obtaining the consent from the users, telecommunication business operators and ICP operators may not collect or use the
users’ personal information. The personal information collected or used in the course of provision of services by the telecommunication business
operators or ICP operators must be kept in strict confidence, and may not be divulged, tampered with or damaged, and may not be sold or illegally
provided to others. The ICP operators are required to take certain measures to prevent any divulgence of, damage to, tampering with or loss of users’
personal information. In accordance with the Cyber Security Law, network operators are required to collect and use personal information in compliance
with the principles of legitimacy, properness and necessity, and strictly within the scope of authorization by the subject of personal information unless
otherwise prescribed by laws or regulations. In the event of any unauthorized disclosure, damage or loss of collected personal information, network
operators must take immediate remedial measures, notify the affected users and report the incidents to the relevant authorities in a timely manner. If any
user knows that a network operator illegally collects and uses his or her personal information in violation of laws, regulations or any agreement with the
user, or the collected and stored personal information is inaccurate or wrong, the user has the right to request the network operator to delete or correct
the relevant collected personal information.
The relevant telecommunications authorities are further authorized to order ICP operators to rectify unauthorized disclosure. ICP operators are
subject to legal liability, including warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses or filings, closing of the relevant websites,
administrative punishment, criminal liabilities, or civil liabilities, if they violate relevant provisions on internet privacy. Pursuant to the Ninth
Amendment to the Criminal Law issued by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in August 2015 and becoming effective in
November 2015, the standards of crime of infringing citizens’ personal information were amended accordingly and the criminal culpability of unlawful
collection, transaction, and provision of personal information has been reinforced. In addition, any ICP provider that fails to fulfill the obligations
related to internet information security administration as required by applicable laws and refuses to rectify upon orders, will be subject to criminal
liability for (i) any dissemination of illegal information in large scale; (ii) any severe effect due to the leakage of the client’s information; (iii) any
serious loss of evidence of criminal activities; or (iv) other severe situations, and any individual or entity that (x) sells or provides personal information
to others unlawfully, or (y) steals or illegally obtains any personal information, will be subject to criminal liability in severe situations. In addition, the
Interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the PRC on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law
in Handling Criminal Cases of Infringing Personal Information, effective in June 2017, have clarified certain standards for the conviction and sentencing
in relation to personal information infringement. The PRC government has the power and authority to order ICP operators to turn over personal
information if an internet user posts any prohibited content or engages in illegal activities on the internet. The Civil Code further provides in a stand-
alone chapter of right of personality and reiterate that the personal information of a natural person shall be protected by the law.
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Any organization or individual shall legitimately obtain such personal information of others in due course on a need-to-know basis and ensure the safety
and privacy of such information, and refrain from excessively handling or using such information.
With respect to the security of information collected and used by mobile apps, pursuant to the Announcement of Conducting Special Supervision
against the Illegal Collection and Use of Personal Information by Apps, which was issued on January 23, 2019, app operators should collect and use
personal information in compliance with the Cyber Security Law and should be responsible for the security of personal information obtained from users
and take effective measures to strengthen the personal information protection. Furthermore, app operators should not force their users to make
authorization by means of bundling, suspending installation or in other default forms and should not collect personal information in violation of laws,
regulations or breach of user agreements. Such regulatory requirements were emphasized by the Notice on the Special Rectification of Apps Infringing
upon User’s Personal Rights and Interests, which was issued by MIIT on October 31, 2019. On November 28, 2019, the CAC, the MIIT, the Ministry of
Public Security and the SMAR jointly issued the Methods of Identifying Illegal Acts of Apps to Collect and Use Personal Information. This regulation
further illustrates certain commonly-seen illegal practices of apps operators in terms of personal information protection, including “failure to publicize
rules for collecting and using personal information”, “failure to expressly state the purpose, manner and scope of collecting and using personal
information”, “collection and use of personal information without consent of users of such App”, “collecting personal information irrelevant to the
services provided by such app in violation of the principle of necessity”, “provision of personal information to others without users’ consent”, “failure to
provide the function of deleting or correcting personal information as required by laws” and “failure to publish information such as methods for
complaints and reporting”. Among others, any of the following acts of an app operator will constitute “collection and use of personal information
without consent of users”: (i) collecting an user’s personal information or activating the permission for collecting any user’s personal information
without obtaining such user’s consent; (ii) collecting personal information or activating the permission for collecting the personal information of any
user who explicitly refuses such collection, or repeatedly seeking for user’s consent such that the user’s normal use of such app is disturbed; (iii) any
user’s personal information which has been actually collected by the app operator or the permission for collecting any user’s personal information
activated by the app operator is beyond the scope of personal information which such user authorizes such app operator to collect; (iv) seeking for any
user’s consent in a non-explicit manner; (v) modifying any user’s settings for activating the permission for collecting any personal information without
such user’s consent; (vi) using users’ personal information and any algorithms to directionally push any information, without providing the option of
non-directed pushing such information; (vii) misleading users to permit collecting their personal information or activating the permission for collecting
such users’ personal information by improper methods such as fraud and deception; (viii) failing to provide users with the means and methods to
withdraw their permission of collecting personal information; and (ix) collecting and using personal information in violation of the rules for collecting
and using personal information promulgated by such app operator.
On August 22, 2019, the CAC promulgated the Children Information Protection Provisions, which took effect on October 1, 2019, requiring that
before collecting, using, transferring or disclosing the personal information of a child, the Internet service operator should inform the child’s guardians
in a noticeable and clear manner and obtain their consents. Meanwhile, Internet service operators should take measures like encryption when storing
children’s personal information.
In October 2020, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress issued the Draft Personal Information Protection Law for public
comments. The Draft Personal Information Protection Law integrates provisions from several rules with respect to personal information rights and
privacy protection. According to the Draft Personal Information Protection Law, personal information refers to information related to identified or
identifiable natural persons which is recorded by electronic or other means (excluding the anonymized information). The Draft Personal Information
Protection Law provides the circumstances under which a personal information processor could process personal information, such as where the consent
of the individual concerned
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is obtained and where it is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract to which such individual is a party to such contract. It also
stipulates certain specific provisions with respect to the obligations of a personal information processor. As of the date of this annual report, the Draft
Personal Information Protection Law has not come into effect.
Regulations on Anti-Monopoly Matters related to Internet Platform Companies.
The PRC Anti-monopoly Law, which took effect on August 1, 2008, prohibits monopolistic conduct such as entering into monopoly agreements,
abusing market dominance and concentration of undertakings that may have the effect of eliminating or restricting competition. On February 7, 2021,
the Anti-monopoly Commission of the State Council officially promulgated the Guidelines to Anti-Monopoly in the Field of Internet Platforms, or the
Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms. Pursuant to an official interpretation from the Anti-monopoly Commission of the State Council, the
Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms mainly covers five aspects, including general provisions, monopoly agreements, abusing market
dominance, concentration of undertakings, and abusing of administrative powers eliminating or restricting competition. The Anti-Monopoly Guidelines
for Internet Platforms prohibits certain monopolistic acts of internet platforms so as to protect market competition and safeguard interests of users and
undertakings participating in internet platform economy, including without limitation, prohibiting platforms with dominant position from abusing their
market dominance (such as discriminating customers in terms of pricing and other transactional conditions using big data and analytics, coercing
counterparties into exclusivity arrangements, using technology means to block competitors’ interface, favorable positioning in search results of goods
displays, using bundle services to sell services or products, compulsory collection of unnecessary user data). In addition, the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines
for Internet Platforms also reinforces antitrust merger review for internet platform related transactions to safeguard market competition.
Regulations on Foreign Exchange
Foreign Currency Exchange
Pursuant to the Foreign Currency Administration Rules, as most recently amended in 2008, and various regulations issued by SAFE and other
relevant PRC government authorities, RMB is freely convertible to the extent of current account items, such as trade related receipts and payments,
interest and dividends. Capital account items, such as direct equity investments, loans and repatriation of investment, unless expressly exempted by laws
and regulations, still require prior approval from SAFE or its provincial branch for conversion of RMB into a foreign currency, such as U.S. dollars, and
remittance of the foreign currency outside of the PRC.
In August 2008, SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment
and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142, regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested
enterprise of foreign currency-registered capital into RMB by restricting how the converted RMB may be used. In addition, SAFE promulgated Circular
45 on November 9, 2011 in order to clarify the application of SAFE Circular 142. Under SAFE Circular 142 and Circular 45, the RMB capital converted
from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the
applicable administrative authority and may not be used for equity investments within the PRC. In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow
and use of RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. The use of RMB capital may not be changed
without SAFE’s approval, and RMB capital may not in any case be used to repay RMB loans if the proceeds of the loans have not been used.
To further reform the foreign exchange administration system in order to satisfy and facilitate the business and capital operations of foreign-
invested enterprises, SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Issues Concerning the Launch of Reforming Trial of the Administration Model of the
Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises in Certain Areas in July 2014, which became effective on August 4,
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2014. This circular suspends the application of SAFE Circular 142 in certain areas and allows a foreign-invested enterprise registered in these areas with
a business scope including “investment” to use the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital for equity investments within the
PRC. SAFE released the Notice on the Reform of the Administration Method for the Settlement of Foreign Exchange Capital of Foreign-invested
Enterprises or SAFE Circular 19, in March 2015, which came into force and superseded SAFE Circular 142 on June 1, 2015. Circular 19 allows foreign-
invested enterprises to settle their foreign exchange capital on a discretionary basis according to the actual needs of their business operation and provides
the procedures for foreign-invested companies to use Renminbi converted from foreign currency-denominated capital for equity investment.
Nevertheless, Circular 19 also reiterates the principle that Renminbi converted from foreign currency-denominated capital of a foreign-invested
company may not be directly or indirectly used for purposes beyond its business scope.
In June 2016, SAFE issued the Circular on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital
Accounts, or Circular 16, which took effect on the same day. Compared to Circular 19, Circular 16 provides that discretionary foreign exchange
settlement applies to foreign exchange capital, foreign debt offering proceeds and remitted foreign listing proceeds, and the corresponding Renminbi
obtained from foreign exchange settlement are not restricted from extending loans to related parties or repaying the intercompany loans (including
advances by third parties). However, there still exist substantial uncertainties with respect to the interpretation and implementation of Circular 16 in
practice.
In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Direct
Investment, as amended, which substantially amends and simplifies the foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various
special purpose foreign exchange accounts, such as pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts and guarantee accounts, the
reinvestment of RMB proceeds by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and dividends by a foreign-invested
enterprise to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be
opened in different provinces, which was not possible previously. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the
Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, as
amended, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be
conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the
registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.
After a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, became
effective on June 1, 2015, instead of applying for approvals regarding foreign exchange registrations of foreign direct investment and overseas direct
investment from SAFE, entities and individuals will be required to apply for such foreign exchange registrations from qualified banks. The qualified
banks, under the supervision of SAFE, directly examine the applications and conduct the registration.
On October 23, 2019, SAFE issued the Circular on Further Promoting Cross-border Trade and Investment Facilitation, or SAFE Circular 28.
Among others, SAFE Circular 28 relaxes the prior restrictions and allows the foreign-invested enterprises without equity investment as in their approved
business scope to use their capital obtained from foreign exchange settlement to make domestic equity investment as long as the investments are real
and in compliance with the foreign investment-related laws and regulations. In addition, SAFE Circular 28 stipulates that qualified enterprises in certain
pilot areas may use their capital income from registered capital, foreign debt and overseas listing, for the purpose of domestic payments without
providing authenticity certifications to the relevant banks in advance for those domestic payments. Payments for transactions that take place within the
PRC must be made in RMB. Foreign currency revenues received by PRC companies may be repatriated into the PRC or retained outside of the PRC in
accordance with requirements and terms specified by SAFE.
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Dividend Distribution
Wholly foreign-owned enterprises and Sino-foreign equity joint ventures in the PRC may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if
any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Additionally, these foreign-invested enterprises may not pay dividends
unless they set aside at least 10% of their respective accumulated profits after tax each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds, until such time as the
accumulative amount of such fund reaches 50% of the enterprise’s registered capital. In addition, these companies also may allocate a portion of their
after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to employee welfare and bonus funds at their discretion. These reserves are not distributable as cash
dividends.
Regulations governing abovementioned dividend distribution arrangements have been replaced by the Foreign Investment Law and its
implantation rules, which do not provide specific dividend distribution rules for foreign invested enterprises. However, the Foreign Investment Law and
its implementation rules provide that after the conversion from a wholly foreign-owned enterprise or sino-foreign equity joint venture to a foreign
invested enterprise under the Foreign Investment Law, distribution method of gains agreed in the joint venture agreements may continue to apply.
Foreign Exchange Registration of Offshore Investment by PRC Residents
Pursuant to SAFE’s Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC Residents to Engage in Financing and
Inbound Investment via Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular No. 75, issued in October 2005, and a series of implementation rules and
guidance, including the circular relating to operating procedures that came into effect in July 2011, PRC residents, including PRC resident natural
persons or PRC companies, must register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment in an overseas
special purpose vehicle, or SPV, for the purposes of overseas equity financing activities, and to update such registration in the event of any significant
changes with respect to that offshore company. SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic
Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular No. 37, on July 4, 2014,
which replaced SAFE Circular No. 75. SAFE Circular No. 37 requires PRC residents to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their
direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore entity, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents’ legally
owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests, referred to in SAFE Circular No. 37 as a “special purpose
vehicle.” The term “control” under SAFE Circular No. 37 is broadly defined as the operation rights, beneficiary rights or decision-making rights
acquired by the PRC residents in the offshore special purpose vehicles or PRC companies by such means as acquisition, trust, proxy, voting rights,
repurchase, convertible bonds or other arrangements. SAFE Circular No. 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any changes
with respect to the basic information of the special purpose vehicle, such as changes in a PRC resident individual shareholder, name or operation period;
or any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as an increase or decrease of capital contributed by PRC individuals, a share
transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event. If the shareholders of the offshore holding company who are PRC residents do not
complete their registration with the local SAFE branches, the PRC subsidiaries may be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any
reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to the offshore company, and the offshore company may be restricted in its ability to contribute
additional capital to its PRC subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with the SAFE registration and amendment requirements described above could
result in liability under PRC law for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions. We have notified holders of ordinary shares of our company
whom we know are PRC residents to register with the local SAFE branch and update their registrations as required under the SAFE regulations
described above. After SAFE Notice 13 became effective on June 1, 2015, entities and individuals are required to apply for foreign exchange
registration of foreign direct investment and overseas direct investment, including those required under SAFE Circular No. 37, with qualified banks,
instead of SAFE. The qualified banks, under the supervision of SAFE, directly examine the applications and conduct the registration. We are aware that
Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, our
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chairman, chief executive officer and principal shareholder, who is a PRC resident, has registered with the relevant local SAFE branch. We, however,
cannot provide any assurances that all of our shareholders who are PRC residents will file all applicable registrations or update previously filed
registrations as required by these SAFE regulations. The failure or inability of our PRC resident shareholders to comply with the registration procedures
may subject the PRC resident shareholders to fines and legal sanctions, restrict our cross-border investment activities, or limit our PRC subsidiaries’
ability to distribute dividends to or obtain foreign exchange dominated loans from our company.
Under the Administration Measures on Individual Foreign Exchange Control issued by the People’s Bank of China, or the PBOC, in December
2006 and its implementation rules issued in January 2007 and revised in May 2016, all foreign exchange matters involved in employee share ownership
plans and share option plans in which PRC citizens participate require approval from SAFE or its authorized branch. In February 2012, SAFE
promulgated the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plans of
Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Rule, replacing the earlier rules promulgated in March 2007. Under the Stock Option Rule,
PRC residents who are granted stock options by an overseas publicly listed company are required, through a PRC agent or PRC subsidiary of such
overseas publicly listed company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other procedures. We and our PRC resident employees who have been
granted stock options are subject to these regulations. We have designated our PRC subsidiary Baidu Online to handle the registration and other
procedures required by the Stock Option Rule. Failure of the option holders to complete their SAFE registrations may subject these PRC employees to
fines and legal sanctions and may also limit the ability of the overseas publicly listed company to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiary
and limit the PRC subsidiary’s ability to distribute dividends.
Regulations on Labor
The Labor Contract Law of the PRC, or the Labor Contract Law, which became effective in January 2008 and last amended in December 2012,
and its implementation rules, impose more restrictions on employers and have been deemed to increase labor costs for employers, compared to the
Labor Law of the PRC, or the Labor Law, which became effective in January 1995. For example, pursuant to the Labor Contract Law, an employer is
obliged to sign a labor contract with an unlimited term with an employee if the employer continues to hire the employee after the expiration of two
consecutive fixed-term labor contracts. The employer has to compensate the employee upon the expiration of a fixed-term labor contract, unless the
employee refuses to renew such contract on terms the same as or more favorable to the employee than those contained in the expired contract. The
employer also has to indemnify an employee if the employer terminates a labor contract without a cause permitted by law. In addition, under the
Regulations on Paid Annual Leave for Employees, which became effective in January 2008, employees who have served more than one year for an
employer are entitled to a paid vacation ranging from 5 to 15 days per year, depending on their length of service. Employees who waive such vacation
time at the request of employers must be compensated for three times their regular salaries for each waived vacation day.
In addition, according to the PRC Social Insurance Law and the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Provident Funds, employers in
China must provide employees with welfare schemes covering pension insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, work-related injury
insurance, medical insurance and housing provident funds.
Regulations on Taxation
For a discussion of applicable PRC tax regulations, see “Item 5.A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—
Taxation.”
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C. Organizational Structure
The following is a list of our principal subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities as of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F:
Name
Baidu Holdings Limited
Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Baidu (China) Co., Ltd.
Baidu.com Times Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Baidu International Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
Beijing Baidu Netcom Science Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
iQIYI, Inc.
Beijing QIYI Century Science & Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing iQIYI Science & Technology Co., Ltd.
Baidu Cloud Computing Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Place of Formation
British Virgin Islands
Hong Kong
China
China
China
China
China
China
Cayman Islands
China
China
China
Relationship
Wholly owned subsidiary
Wholly owned subsidiary
Wholly owned subsidiary
Wholly owned subsidiary
Wholly owned subsidiary
Wholly owned subsidiary
Consolidated affiliated entity
Consolidated affiliated entity
Majority-owned subsidiary
Majority-owned subsidiary
Consolidated affiliated entity
Wholly owned subsidiary
The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our principal subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities as of the date of
this annual report on Form 20-F:
*
The diagram above omits the names of subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities that are insignificant individually and in the aggregate.
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Notes:
(1)
(2)
(3)
Beijing Baidu Netcom Science Technology Co., Ltd. is 99.5% owned by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, our chairman and chief executive officer, and 0.5% owned by Ms. Shanshan Cui, an
executive officer of ours. Please see “Item 6.E. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Share Ownership” for details of Mr. Robin Yanhong Li’s beneficial ownership in our
company. Ms. Shanshan Cui’s beneficial ownership of our company is less than 1% of our total outstanding shares.
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. is 50% owned by Ms. Shanshan Cui and 50% owned by Mr. Zhixiang Liang. Both Ms. Shanshan Cui and Mr. Zhixiang Liang are our employees,
and their respective beneficial ownership in our company is less than 1% of our total outstanding shares.
Beijing iQIYI Science & Technology Co., Ltd. is wholly-owned by Mr. Xiaohua Geng, senior vice president of iQIYI. Mr. Xiaohua Geng is not beneficially interested in any shares of
our company.
Contractual Arrangements with Our Consolidated Affiliated Entities and the Nominee Shareholders
PRC laws and regulations restrict and impose conditions on foreign investment in internet content, value-added telecommunication-based online
marketing, audio and video services and mobile application distribution businesses. Accordingly, we operate these businesses in China through our
consolidated affiliated entities. We have entered into a series of contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities and the nominee
shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities. These contractual arrangements enable us to:
•
•
•
receive the economic benefits that could potentially be significant to our consolidated affiliated entities in consideration for the services
provided by our subsidiaries;
exercise effective control over our consolidated affiliated entities; and
hold an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in our consolidated affiliated entities when and to the extent
permitted by PRC law.
These contractual agreements include exclusive technology consulting and services agreements, operating agreements, license agreements,
business cooperation agreements, exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreements, commitment letters, loan agreements, proxy
agreements/powers of attorney and equity pledge agreements, as the case may be. We do not have any equity interests in our consolidated affiliated
entities. However, as a result of contractual arrangements, we have effective control over and are considered the primary beneficiary of these companies,
and we have consolidated the financial results of these companies in our consolidated financial statements. The nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom,
Beijing Perusal and Beijing iQIYI, our consolidated affiliated entities, are directors or members of senior management of our company/iQIYI. We/iQIYI
consider such people suitable to act as the nominee shareholders of these consolidated affiliated entities because of, among other considerations, their
contribution to our company/iQIYI, their competence and their length of service with and loyalty to our company/iQIYI. If our consolidated affiliated
entities or the nominee shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we could be limited in our ability to
enforce the contractual arrangements that give us effective control over our consolidated affiliated entities. Furthermore, if we are unable to maintain
effective control, we would not be able to continue to consolidate the financial results of our consolidated affiliated entities in our financial statements.
In 2018, 2019 and 2020, we derived 33%, 40% and 43% of our external revenues from our consolidated affiliated entities, respectively. Based on the
book value of Baidu Netcom and Beijing Perusal and taking into account major adjustments for intra-group transactions, the revenue contribution of
Baidu Netcom and Beijing Perusal to the Group for each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 was 9%, 14% and 15% and 0%, 0% and 0% respectively. For
a detailed description of the regulatory environment that necessitates the adoption of our corporate structure, see “Item 4.B. Information on the
Company—Business Overview—Regulations.” For a detailed description of the risks associated with our corporate structure, see “Item 3.D. Key
Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure.”
In August 2018, we completed the divestiture of a majority equity stake in our financial services business. The divested financial services business
has been renamed as Du Xiaoman. After the divestiture, we hold a minority equity interest in Du Xiaoman which was accounted for as an equity method
investment, and have
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deconsolidated the financial results of Du Xiaoman from our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Contractual Arrangements Relating to Our Consolidated Affiliated Entities
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the contractual arrangements relating to Baidu Netcom, Beijing Perusal and Beijing
iQIYI.
Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement
Pursuant to the exclusive technology consulting and services agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online has the exclusive
right to provide to Baidu Netcom technology consulting and services related to, among other things, the maintenance of servers, software development,
design of advertisements, and e-commerce technical services. Baidu Online owns the intellectual property rights resulting from the performance of this
agreement. Baidu Netcom agrees to pay service fees to Baidu Online and Baidu Online has the right to adjust the service fees at its sole discretion
without the consent of Baidu Netcom. The agreement will be in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party expires and
extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
Each of the exclusive technology consulting and services agreements between Baidu Online and Beijing Perusal and Beijing QIYI Century and
Beijing iQIYI contains substantially the same terms as those described above, except that the terms regarding the determinant of the service fees may
differ and that the initial term of the exclusive technology consulting and services agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI dated
November 23, 2011 is ten years, and has been extended.
In 2018, 2019 and 2020, Baidu Netcom did not pay any service fees to Baidu Online. Beijing Perusal did not pay any service fees to Baidu Online
due to Beijing Perusal’s operating loss in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Operating Agreement
Pursuant to the operating agreement amongst Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom and the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online
provides guidance and instructions on Baidu Netcom’s daily operations and financial affairs. In addition, Baidu Online agrees to guarantee Baidu
Netcom’s performance under any agreements or arrangements relating to Baidu Netcom’s business arrangements with any third party. In return, Baidu
Netcom agrees that without the prior consent of Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom will not engage in any transactions that could materially affect the assets,
liabilities, rights or operations of Baidu Netcom, including, without limitation, incurrence or assumption of any indebtedness, sale or purchase of any
assets or rights, incurrence of any encumbrance on any of its assets or intellectual property rights in favor of a third party or transfer of any agreements
relating to its business operation to any third party. The agreement will be in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party expires
and extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
The operating agreement amongst Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal and its shareholders contains substantially the same terms as those described
above.
Pursuant to the amended and restated business operation agreement amongst Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and its shareholder, Beijing
QIYI Century provides guidance and instructions on Beijing iQIYI’s daily operations and financial affairs. In addition, Beijing QIYI Century agrees to
guarantee Beijing iQIYI’s performance under any agreements or arrangements relating to Beijing iQIYI’s business arrangements with any third party.
The agreement can only be unilaterally revoked by Beijing QIYI Century. The initial term of the agreement is ten years, which has been renewed, and
can be further extended at Beijing QIYI Century’s discretion.
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License Agreements
Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom have entered into a software license agreement and a web layout copyright license agreement. Pursuant to these
license agreements, Baidu Online has granted to Baidu Netcom the right to use, including but not limited to, a software license and a web layout
copyright license. Baidu Netcom may only use the licenses in its own business operations. Baidu Online has the right to adjust the service fees at its sole
discretion. The software license agreement and web layout copyright license agreement have been renewed since their original expiration and are in
effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party expires and extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
The web layout copyright license agreements that Baidu Online has entered into with Beijing Perusal contain substantially the same terms as those
between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom described above. The agreement is in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party
expires and extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
Pursuant to the trademark license agreement and the software usage license agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI effective
November 23, 2011, Beijing QIYI Century granted a non-exclusive and non-transferable license, without sublicensing rights, to Beijing iQIYI to use its
trademarks and software. Beijing iQIYI may only use the licenses in its own business operations. Beijing QIYI Century has the right to adjust the
service fees at its sole discretion. The initial term of the two agreements is five years and the software usage license agreement may be extended upon
the written consent of Beijing QIYI Century. The trademark license agreement is automatically extended for successive one-year periods after its
expiration unless Beijing QIYI Century early terminates the agreement in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. The software usage license
agreement was extended for another 15 years after its initial term.
Business Cooperation Agreement
Pursuant to the business cooperation agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI effective November 23, 2011, Beijing iQIYI
agrees to provide Beijing QIYI Century with services, including internet information services, online advertising and other services reasonably
necessary within the scope of Beijing QIYI Century’s business. Beijing iQIYI agrees to use technology services provided by Beijing QIYI Century on
its website, including but not limited to, P2P download and video on-demand systems. Beijing QIYI Century agrees to pay specified service fees to
Beijing iQIYI as consideration for the internet information services and other services provided by Beijing iQIYI. Beijing iQIYI has the right to waive
the service fees at its discretion. The initial term of this agreement is ten years, which has been extended, and can be further renewed at Beijing QIYI
Century’s discretion.
Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement
Pursuant to the exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreement by and among our company, Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom and the
nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom, the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom have irrevocably granted our company or its designated person(s)
(including Baidu Online) an exclusive option to purchase, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or part of the equity interests in Baidu Netcom for
the cost of the initial contributions to the registered capital or the minimum amount of consideration permitted by applicable PRC law. The nominee
shareholders must remit to Baidu Online any amount that is paid by Baidu Online in connection with the purchased equity interest as requested by our
company or its designated person(s) (including Baidu Online) to the extent permitted by the applicable laws. Our company or its designated person(s)
have sole discretion to decide when to exercise the option, whether in part or in full amount. Any and all dividends and other capital distributions from
Baidu Netcom to the nominee shareholders must be paid to Baidu, Inc. in full amount. Our company or its designated person(s) (including Baidu
Online) also have the exclusive right to cause the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom to transfer their equity interest in Baidu Netcom to our
company or any designated third party. Our company will provide unlimited financial support to Baidu Netcom,
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if Baidu Netcom becomes in need of any form of reasonable financial support in the normal operation of business. If Baidu Netcom were to incur any
loss and as a result cannot repay any loans from our company (through Baidu Online), our company will unconditionally forgive any such loans to
Baidu Netcom upon provision by Baidu Netcom of sufficient proof for its loss and incapacity to repay. The agreement will terminate upon the transfer
by the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom of all their equity interests in Baidu Netcom to our company or its designated person(s) or upon
expiration of the term of business of our company or Baidu Netcom.
Each of the exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreements amongst our company, Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal and its shareholders
and iQIYI, Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and its shareholders contains substantially the same terms as those described above, except that the
initial term of the amended and restated exclusive purchase option agreement amongst iQIYI, Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and its shareholder is
ten years, which has been extended, and can be further renewed at iQIYI’s discretion.
Commitment Letters
Pursuant to the commitment letter dated January 30, 2013, under the condition that Beijing iQIYI remains as a consolidated affiliated entity of
iQIYI under United States generally accepted accounting principles and the relevant contractual arrangements remain in effect, iQIYI and Beijing QIYI
Century undertake to provide financial support to Beijing iQIYI for any financial loss that might affect its business operation occurred before and after
the execution of the commitment letter as permitted by relevant laws. Such financial support shall be forgiven by iQIYI and Beijing QIYI Century.
Loan Agreements
Pursuant to loan agreements amongst Baidu Online and the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online provided loans with an
aggregate amount of RMB13.4 billion to the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom solely for the latter to fund the capitalization of Baidu Netcom. The
loans can be repaid only with the proceeds from the sale of the nominee shareholders’ equity interest in Baidu Netcom to Baidu Online or its designated
person(s). The term of the loan agreements with the two nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom will expire on July 9, 2029 and August 19, 2029,
respectively, and can be extended with the written consent of both parties before its expiration.
Pursuant to loan agreements amongst the shareholders of Beijing Perusal and Baidu Online, the amount of loans extended to the respective
shareholders of Beijing Perusal is RMB3.2 billion. The term of the loan agreements will expire on March 30, 2028 and October 29, 2029, respectively,
and can be extended with the written consent of both parties before its expiration. Each of the loan agreements amongst Baidu Online and the respective
shareholders of Beijing Perusal, and Beijing QIYI Century and the shareholders of Beijing iQIYI, contains substantially the same terms as those
described above, except that the amount of the loans and the contract expiration date varies. Beijing QIYI Century has extended the term of the amended
and restated loan agreement.
Proxy Agreement/Power of Attorney
Pursuant to the proxy agreement amongst our company and the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom, the nominee shareholders of Baidu
Netcom agree to entrust all the rights to exercise their voting power and any other rights as shareholders of Baidu Netcom to the person(s) designated by
our company. Each of the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom has executed an irrevocable power of attorney to appoint the person(s) designated by
our company. as their attorney-in-fact to vote on their behalf on all matters requiring shareholder approval. Any action taken by such attorney-in-fact in
relation to the entrusted rights shall be directed and approved by our company. The proxy agreement will be in effect for as long as the relevant nominee
shareholder of Baidu Netcom holds any equity interests in Baidu Netcom unless terminated in writing by our company. Each of the
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powers of attorney will be in effect for as long as the relevant nominee shareholder of Baidu Netcom holds any equity interests in Baidu Netcom.
Each of the proxy agreements or shareholder voting rights trust agreements amongst our company and the shareholders of Beijing Perusal and
between Beijing QIYI Century and the shareholder of Beijing iQIYI contains substantially the same terms as those described above. Each of the proxy
agreements or shareholder voting rights trust agreements will be in effect for an unlimited term unless terminated in writing by our company or other
subsidiaries. Each of the powers of attorney or shareholder voting rights trust agreements will be in effect for as long as the shareholder of Beijing
Perusal or Beijing iQIYI holds any equity interests in Beijing Perusal or Beijing iQIYI, as the case may be.
Equity Pledge Agreement
Pursuant to the equity pledge agreement amongst Baidu Online and the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom, the nominee shareholders of
Baidu Netcom shall pledge all of their equity interests in Baidu Netcom to Baidu Online to guarantee their obligations under the loan agreements and
Baidu Netcom’s performance of its obligations under the exclusive technology consulting and service agreement. If Baidu Netcom or the nominee
shareholders breach their respective contractual obligations, Baidu Online, as the pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the
pledged equity interests. The nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom agree not to dispose of the pledged equity interests or take any actions that would
prejudice Baidu Online’s interest. The equity pledge agreement will terminate on the date when Beijing Netcom and its shareholders have completed all
their respective obligations under the exclusive technology consulting and service agreement and the loan agreements.
Each of the equity pledge agreements amongst Baidu Online and the shareholders of Beijing Perusal and Beijing QIYI Century and the
shareholder of Beijing iQIYI contains substantially the same terms, including its term to expiration, as those described above.
Through design of the aforementioned agreements, the nominee shareholders of these affiliated entities have effectively assigned their full voting
rights to our company/iQIYI, which gives our company/iQIYI the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the affiliated entities’
economic performance. Our company/iQIYI obtains the ability to approve decisions made by the affiliated entities and the ability to acquire the equity
interests in the affiliated entities when permitted by PRC law. Our company/iQIYI is obligated to absorb losses of the affiliated entities that could
potentially be significant to the affiliated entities through providing unlimited financial support to the affiliated entities or is entitled to receive economic
benefits from the affiliated entities that could potentially be significant to the affiliated entities through the exclusive technology consulting and service
fees. As a result of these contractual arrangements, our company/iQIYI is determined to be the primary beneficiary of these affiliated entities. Despite
the lack of technical majority ownership, there exists a parent-subsidiary relationship between us and these affiliated entities through these contractual
arrangements, and we consolidate these affiliated entities through our company/iQIYI.
We have also entered into contractual arrangements with several other affiliated entities and their respective nominee shareholders, including
iQIYI’s affiliated entities and their respective nominee shareholders, through some of our subsidiaries other than Baidu Online and Beijing QIYI
Century, which result in our company/iQIYI or relevant subsidiaries, as the case may be, being the primary beneficiaries of the relevant affiliated
entities. As a result of these contractual arrangements, there exists a parent-subsidiary relationship between us and the relevant affiliated entities, and we
consolidate these affiliated entities through the subsidiaries.
D.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Our corporate headquarters, Baidu Campus, is located in Shangdi, Haidian district of Beijing. We own the office building of Baidu Campus and a
nearby office building, Baidu Science Park, both located in Shangdi. We
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are in the process of obtaining the land use permit with the local authority for Baidu Science Park and may result in us paying additional land transaction
fee. Besides Beijing, we own and occupy office buildings in Shanghai and Shenzhen.
We also lease offices in Beijing, many other cities in mainland China and places outside of mainland China, including in California (USA),
Washington (USA), Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.
Our servers are hosted at the internet data centers of major telecom operators, including China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile, in over
ten selected cities across China. Our content delivery network covers most of the major cities in China.
In 2018, we completed the construction of our Shanxi cloud computing center, which serves as one of our internet data centers in China. In 2019,
we completed the construction of our office building in Shenzhen, China.
Item 4A.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited
consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this annual report on Form 20-F. This report contains forward-looking statements. See
“Forward-Looking Information.” In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information provided under the caption “Item 3.D. Key
Information—Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form 20-F. We caution you that our businesses and financial performance are subject to substantial
risks and uncertainties.
A. Operating Results
Overview
We are a leading technology company with world-class artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. We were founded to enable people to quickly find
relevant information on the Internet, amidst the huge volume of information generated daily. As the gateway to the Internet, we connect our users to a
large information and knowledge-centric content and services ecosystem through our open search-plus-feed platform. Years of tagging, understanding
and intelligently processing all forms of content on the Internet with AI—text, images and videos—has helped us build and refine our unique AI
capabilities and develop Baidu Brain, our core AI technology engine. Baidu Brain in turn has enabled us to further develop leading AI technologies and
commercialize them through products and services for consumers, enterprises and the public sector.
Our operations are primarily conducted in China, and revenues are primarily generated from China. Our total revenues increased by 5% from
RMB102.3 billion in 2018 to RMB107.4 billion in 2019. Our total revenues were RMB107.1 billion (US$16.4 billion) in 2020, which was basically flat
from 2019. Our operating profit decreased by 59% from RMB15.5 billion in 2018 to RMB6.3 billion in 2019, and increased by 127% from
RMB6.3 billion in 2019 to RMB14.3 billion (US$2.2 billion) in 2020. Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. decreased by 93% from RMB27.6 billion
in 2018 to RMB2.1 billion in 2019, and increased by 992% from RMB2.1 billion in 2019 to RMB22.5 billion (US$3.4 billion) in 2020. Net income
attributed to Baidu, Inc. in 2019 included a non-cash impairment loss of RMB8.9 billion from investment in Trip.com.
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Revenues
Revenue Generation
Baidu Core. Baidu Core revenues primarily comprise of (i) auction-based P4P online marketing services that include search and feed online
marketing services; (ii) other online marketing services, including display advertisement, based on performance criteria other than CPC; (iii) cloud
services and solutions; (iv) non-marketing consumer-facing services such as membership, live streaming and online games; (v) intelligent driving; and
(vi) smart devices and services. We expect Baidu Core to continually earn a majority of our revenues.
A majority of Baidu Core’s revenues are derived from P4P services. Our P4P platform is an online marketplace that introduces internet search
users to customers, who pay us a fee based on click-throughs for priority placement of their links in the search results. We also provide feed online
marketing services to our customers. Our feed platform helps customers target relevant feed users, and customers pay us based on a CPC basis or
advertisement displays of their products. In addition, we provide our customers with other performance-based and display-based online marketing
services.
Apart from the online marketing services, we derive revenue for Baidu Core by providing products and services ranging from cloud solutions and
services, non-marketing consumer-facing services, intelligent driving and smart devices and services.
iQIYI. iQIYI is an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China. iQIYI’s platform features iQIYI original content, as well as a
comprehensive library of other professionally produced content, professional user generated content, and user-generated content. iQIYI derives a
majority of its revenues from membership services and online marketing services.
iQIYI offers membership packages to provide its members with (i) access to streaming of a library of premium content, (ii) certain commercial
skipping and other viewing privileges, (iii) merchandise selection and privilege, and (iv) higher community status in iQIYI Paopao social platform. Most
of iQIYI’s online marketing services are in the form of brand advertising.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Our operating costs and expenses consist of cost of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses, and research and development
expenses. Share-based compensation expenses are allocated among these three categories, based on the nature of the work of the employees who have
received share-based compensation.
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenues primarily consist of content costs, traffic acquisition costs, depreciation costs, costs of goods sold, bandwidth costs and other
cost of revenues.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Our selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of promotional and marketing expenses, salaries and benefits for our sales,
marketing, general and administrative personnel, and legal, accounting and other professional services fees.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits for research and development personnel. We expense research and
development costs as they are incurred, except for capitalized software development costs that fulfill the capitalization criteria.
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Taxation
Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands
We are not subject to income or capital gain tax under the current laws of the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Additionally, upon
payments of dividends by us, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.
Hong Kong
Subsidiaries in Hong Kong are subject to the uniform tax rate of 16.5% and foreign-derived income is exempted from income tax. There is no
withholding tax in Hong Kong on remittance of dividends.
Japan
As a result of the Japanese tax regulations amendments, the effective income tax rates are approximately 31%, 31% and 31% for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
PRC Enterprise Income Tax
Effective from January 1, 2008 and amended on December 29, 2018, the PRC’s statutory enterprise income tax, or EIT, rate is 25%. An enterprise
may benefit from a preferential tax rate of 15% under the EIT Law if it qualifies as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” strongly supported by the
state. Pursuant to the Administrative Measures on the Recognition of High and New Technology Enterprises, or the Recognition Measures, as amended
in January 2016, the provincial counterparts of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of
Taxation make joint determination on whether an enterprise is qualified as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” under the EIT Law. In making such
determination, these government agencies consider, among other factors, ownership of core technology, whether the key technology supporting the core
products or services falls within the scope of high and new technology strongly supported by the state as specified in the Recognition Measures, the
ratios of research and development personnel to total personnel, the ratio of research and development expenditures to annual sales revenues, the ratio of
revenues attributed to high and new technology products or services to total revenues, and other measures set forth in relevant guidance. A “High and
New Technology Enterprise” certificate is effective for a period of three years.
An enterprise may benefit from a tax exemption or preferential tax rate of 10% under the EIT law if it qualifies as a “Key Software Enterprise.”
Enterprises wishing to enjoy the “Key Software Enterprise” status will be subject to relevant governmental authorities’ assessment each year as to
whether they are entitled to the tax exemption or preferential tax rate of 10%. Prior to May 2016, a “Key Software Enterprise” used to be designated
jointly by the NDRC, the MIIT, the MOFCOM, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation. In May 2016, the four PRC
governmental authorities jointly issued a notice, pursuant to which an enterprise may be entitled to the preferential income tax rate of 10% by filing with
the local tax authority with supporting documentation proving its qualifications to be a “Key Software Enterprise” during its annual income tax filing
process. In December 2020, the Ministry of Finance, the State Administration of Taxation, the NDRC, and the MIIT jointly issued a circular which has
repealed the original preferential tax treatment applicable to the “Key Software Enterprise.” Such circular provides that the Key Software Enterprise’s
EIT would be waived for five years since its first year of making profit and it may benefit from a preferential tax rate of 10% for the following years.
If our PRC subsidiaries or consolidated affiliated entities that have enjoyed preferential tax treatment no longer qualify for the preferential
treatment, we will consider available options under applicable law that would enable us to qualify for alternative preferential tax treatment. To the extent
we are unable to offset the impact of the expiration of existing preferential tax treatment with new tax exemptions, tax incentives or other tax benefits,
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the expiration of existing preferential tax treatment may cause our effective tax rate to increase. The amount of income tax payable by our PRC
subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities in the future will depend on various factors, including, among other things, the results of operations and
taxable income of, and the statutory tax rate applicable to, each of the entities. Our effective tax rate depends partially on the extent of the relative
contribution of each of our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities to our consolidated taxable income.
Withholding Tax
Under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, dividends, interests, rent or royalties payable by a foreign-invested enterprise, such as our PRC
subsidiaries, to any of its non-resident enterprise investors, and proceeds from any such non-resident enterprise investor’s disposition of assets (after
deducting the net value of such assets) are subject to the EIT at the rate of 10%, namely withholding tax, unless the non-resident enterprise investor’s
jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty or arrangement with China that provides for a reduced withholding tax rate or an exemption from
withholding tax. The Notice on Several Preferential Policies regarding Enterprise Income Tax Law jointly promulgated by the Ministry of Finance and
State Administration of Taxation in February 2008, clarifies that undistributed profits earned by foreign-invested enterprises prior to January 1, 2008
will be exempted from any withholding tax.
The British Virgin Islands, where Baidu Holdings Limited, the sole shareholder of certain of our PRC subsidiaries such as Baidu Online, was
incorporated, does not have such a tax treaty with China.
Hong Kong, where Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, our wholly owned subsidiary and the sole shareholder of certain of our PRC subsidiaries such as
Baidu Times and Baidu China, was incorporated, has a tax arrangement with China that provides for a lower withholding tax rate of 5% on dividends
subject to certain conditions and requirements, such as the requirement that the Hong Kong resident enterprise own at least 25% of the PRC enterprise
distributing the dividend at all times within the 12-month period immediately preceding the distribution of dividends and be a “beneficial owner” of the
dividends. However, pursuant to Circular on Issues Concerning Implementing Dividend Clauses of Tax Treaties, or SAT Circular 81, issued by the State
Administration of Taxation in February 2009, if the relevant PRC tax authorities determine, in their discretion, that a company benefits from the reduced
withholding tax rate on dividends due to a structure or arrangement designed for the primary purpose of obtaining favorable tax treatment, the PRC tax
authorities may adjust the preferential tax treatment. Moreover, pursuant to Circular on Several Issues regarding the “Beneficial Owner” in Tax Treaties,
or SAT Circular 9, issued by the State Administration of Taxation in February 2018, which became effective from April 1, 2018 and superseded the SAT
Circular 601 issued by the State Administration of Taxation in October 2009, a resident of a contracting state will not qualify for the benefits under the
tax treaties or arrangements, if it is not the “beneficial owner” of the dividend, interest and royalty income. According to SAT Circular 9, a “beneficial
owner” is required to have ownership and the right to dispose of the income or the rights and properties giving rise to the income, and generally engage
in substantive business activities. An agent or conduit company will not be regarded as a “beneficial owner” and, therefore, will not qualify for treaty
benefits. A conduit company normally refers to a company that is set up primarily for the purpose of evading or reducing taxes or transferring or
accumulating profits. In addition, pursuant to Bulletin on Administrative Measures on Treaties Benefit for Non-resident Taxpayers, or SAT Circular 35,
issued by the State Administration of Taxation in October 2019, non-resident enterprises are not required to obtain pre-approval from the relevant tax
authority in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax rate. Instead, non-resident enterprises may, if they determine by self-assessment that the
prescribed criteria to enjoy the tax treaty benefits are met, directly apply for the reduced withholding tax rate, and file necessary forms and supporting
documents when performing tax filings, which will be subject to post-filing examinations by the relevant tax authorities.
In 2020, certain of our PRC subsidiaries have declared and distributed profits earned to Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, the dividend payments are
subject to withholding tax. We have made tax provisions based on the corresponding tax rate. If our PRC subsidiaries further declare and distribute
profits earned after January 1, 2008 to us in the future, the dividend payments will be subject to withholding tax, which will increase our tax liability
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and reduce the amount of cash available to our company. For the potential distributable profits to be distributed to our qualified Hong Kong incorporated
subsidiary, the deferred tax liabilities are accrued at a 5% withholding tax rate. For more information on related risks, please see “Item 3.D. Key
Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—If our PRC subsidiaries declare and distribute dividends to their respective
offshore parent companies, we will be required to pay more taxes, which could have a material and adverse effect on our result of operations.”
Tax Residence
Under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with “de facto management body” within the PRC
is considered a resident enterprise and will be subject to the EIT at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income. The term “de facto management body”
refers to “the establishment that exercises substantial and overall management and control over the production, business, personnel, accounts and
properties of an enterprise.” Pursuant to SAT Circular 82, issued by the State Administration of Taxation in April 2009, an overseas registered enterprise
controlled by a PRC company or a PRC company group will be classified as a “resident enterprise” with its “de facto management body” located within
the PRC if the following requirements are satisfied: (i) the senior management and core management departments in charge of its daily operations are
mainly located in the PRC; (ii) its financial and human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies located in the
PRC; (iii) its major assets, accounting books, company seals, and minutes and files of its board and shareholders’ meetings are located or kept in the
PRC; and (iv) no less than half of the enterprise’s directors or senior management with voting rights reside in the PRC. The State Administration of
Taxation issued additional rules to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82 in July 2011, and issued an amendment to SAT
Circular 82 delegating the authority to its provincial branches to determine whether a Chinese-controlled overseas-incorporated enterprise should be
considered a PRC resident enterprise, in January 2014. Although the SAT Circular 82, the additional guidance and its amendment only apply to overseas
registered enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises and not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the determining criteria set forth in the
circular may reflect the State Administration of Taxation’s general position on how the “de facto management body” test should be applied in
determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises, individuals or foreigners.
If our offshore entities are deemed PRC resident enterprises, these entities may be subject to the EIT at the rate of 25% on their global incomes,
except that the dividends distributed by our PRC subsidiaries may be exempt from the EIT to the extent such dividends are deemed “dividends among
qualified resident enterprises.” For more information on related risks, please see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing
Business in China—We may be deemed a PRC resident enterprise under the EIT Law, which could subject us to PRC taxation on our global income,
and which may have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations. ”
Should our offshore entities be deemed as PRC resident enterprises, such changes could significantly increase our tax burden and materially and
adversely affect our cash flow and profitability.
PRC VAT in Lieu of Business Tax
In November 2011, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation jointly issued two circulars setting forth the details of the
pilot VAT reform program, which change the charge of sales tax from business tax to VAT for certain pilot industries. The VAT reform program initially
applied only to the pilot industries in Shanghai, and was expanded to eight additional regions, including, among others, Beijing and Guangdong
province, in 2012. In August 2013, the program was further expanded nationwide. In May 2016, the pilot program was extended to cover additional
industry sectors such as construction, real estate, finance and consumer services.
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PRC Urban Maintenance and Construction Tax and Education Surcharge
Any entity, foreign-invested or purely domestic, or individual that is subject to consumption tax, VAT and business tax is also required to pay PRC
urban maintenance and construction tax. The rates of urban maintenance and construction tax are 7%, 5% or 1% of the amount of consumption tax, VAT
and business tax actually paid depending on where the taxpayer is located. All entities and individuals who pay consumption tax, VAT and business tax
are also required to pay education surcharge at a rate of 3%, and local education surcharges at a rate of 2%, of the amount of VAT, business tax and
consumption tax actually paid.
Impact of COVID-19 On Our Operations
Our results of operations have been, and could continue to be adversely, and may be materially, affected, to the extent that the COVID-19 or any
other epidemic harms the Chinese and global economy in general. Any potential impact to our results will depend on, to a large extent, future
developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of the COVID-19 and the actions taken by government
authorities and other entities to contain the COVID-19 or treat its impact, almost all of which are beyond our control.
The potential downturn brought by and the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic may be difficult to assess or predict where actual effects will
depend on many factors beyond our control. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our long-term results remains uncertain, and we are
closely monitoring its impact on us. During the year ended December 31, 2020, our operations have been significantly affected by the COVID-19
pandemic. Our online marketing revenues declined compared to the prior period mainly due to weakness in online marketing demand as our customers
in certain industries are negatively impacted by COVID-19. We have also provided additional allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable and
contract assets, recognized impairment charges on our long-term investments and content assets, and recorded loss from equity method investments in
the year ended December 31, 2020, due to the impact of COVID-19 and other factors. In addition, increased market volatility has contributed to larger
fluctuations in the valuation of our equity investments. There are still significant uncertainties of COVID-19’s future impact, and the extent of the
impact will depend on a number of factors, including the duration and severity of COVID-19, possibility of new waves in China, the development and
progress of distribution of COVID-19 vaccine and other medical treatment, the potential change in user behavior, especially on internet usage due to the
prolonged impact of COVID-19, the actions taken by government authorities, particularly to contain the outbreak, stimulate the economy to improve
business condition especially for SMEs, almost all of which are beyond our control. As a result, certain of our estimates and assumptions, including the
allowance for credit losses, the valuation of certain debt and equity investments, long-term investments, content assets and long-lived assets subject to
impairment assessments, require significant judgments and carry a higher degree of variabilities and volatilities that could result in material changes to
our current estimates in future periods. See also “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We face
risks related to health epidemics, severe weather conditions and other outbreaks.”
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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated. The period-to-period comparisons of
results of operations should not be relied upon as indicative of future performance.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Data
Revenues:
Online marketing services
Others
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses(1):
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit
Total other income (loss), net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income (loss)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
Year ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
US$
(in millions)
81,912 78,093 72,840 11,163
20,365 29,320 34,234 5,247
102,277 107,413 107,074 16,410
51,744 62,850 55,158 8,454
19,231 19,910 18,063 2,769
15,772 18,346 19,513 2,989
86,747 101,106 92,734 14,212
6,307 14,340 2,198
15,530
11,795
8,750 1,341
(6,647)
(340) 23,090 3,539
27,325
623
1,948
4,743
(2,288) 19,026 2,916
22,582
(4,345)
(4,991)
(528)
2,057 22,472 3,444
27,573
(3,446)
4,064
(1) Share-based compensation expenses are allocated in operating costs and expenses as follows:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total
224
1,725
2,727
4,676
327
1,768
3,531
5,626
360
1,897
4,471
6,728
55
290
686
1,031
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019
Consolidated revenues. Our total revenues in 2020 were RMB107.1 billion (US$16.4 billion), which was basically flat from 2019.
Our online marketing revenues for Baidu Core in 2020 were RMB66.3 billion (US$10.2 billion) decreasing by 5% from 2019.
Our online marketing revenues for iQIYI in 2020 were RMB6.8 billion (US$1.0 billion), decreasing by 18% from 2019.
Other revenues in 2020 were RMB34.2 billion (US$5.2 billion), increasing by 17% from 2019.
For a detailed description, see “—Segment Revenues.”
Consolidated operating costs and expenses. Our total operating costs and expenses decreased by RMB8.4 billion, or 8%, from RMB101.1 billion
in 2019 to RMB92.7 billion (US$14.2 billion) in 2020.
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Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues decreased by RMB7.7 billion from RMB62.9 billion in 2019 to RMB55.2 billion (US$8.5 billion) in 2020,
primarily due to the following factors:
•
•
•
A decrease of RMB2.7 billion in traffic acquisition costs, which reflected decreasing union revenues, as we focused on growing in-app
search and optimizing profitability over union revenue growth.
A decrease of RMB1.7 billion in sales tax and surcharges, which resulted from an exemption of cultural business construction fee for 2020.
A decrease of RMB1.6 billion in content cost, which related to less recorded expense of produced content, more shorter-length content
with less total costs to satisfy diversified users demand, as well as revisions to accounting estimates of future viewership consumption
patterns and useful lives of content assets.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by RMB1.8 billion from
RMB19.9 billion in 2019 to RMB18.1 billion (US$2.8 billion) in 2020, primarily due to a decrease of RMB2.1 billion in channel spending and
promotional marketing which reflected our effort to optimize marketing spending during COVID-19 pandemic, especially for the first half of 2020.
Research and Development Expenses. Our research and development expenses increased by RMB1.2 billion from RMB18.3 billion in 2019 to
RMB19.5 billion (US$3.0 billion) in 2020, primarily due to an increase of RMB1.5 billion in personnel-related expenses, which was in line with the
growth in research and development headcount as we continue to strengthen our research and development effort.
Operating profit. As a result of the foregoing, we generated an operating profit of RMB14.3 billion (US$2.2 billion) in 2020, a 127% increase
from RMB6.3 billion in 2019.
Total other income (loss), net. Our total other income, net was RMB8.8 billion (US$1.3 billion) in 2020, which included fair value gain of
RMB11.6 billion from long-term investments. Total other loss, net was RMB6.6 billion for 2019, which included a non-cash impairment loss of
RMB8.9 billion from investment in Trip.com.
Income taxes. Our income tax expense was RMB4.1 billion (US$623 million) in 2020, compared to RMB1.9 billion in 2019.
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. increased from RMB2.1 billion in 2019
to RMB22.5 billion (US$3.4 billion) in 2020.
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018
Consolidated revenues. Our total revenues in 2019 were RMB107.4 billion, growing by 5% from 2018.
Online marketing revenues for Baidu Core in 2019 were RMB70.0 billion decreasing by 4% from 2018.
Online marketing revenues for iQIYI in 2019 were RMB8.3 billion, decreasing by 11% from 2018.
Other revenues in 2019 were RMB29.3 billion, increasing by 44% from 2018.
For a detailed description, see “—Segment Revenues.”
Consolidated operating costs and expenses. Our consolidated operating costs and expenses in 2019 were RMB101.1 billion, increasing by
RMB14.4 billion, or 17%, from RMB86.7 billion 2018. This increase was primarily due to the expansion of our business.
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Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues in 2019 were RMB62.9 billion, increasing by RMB11.2 billion from RMB51.7 billion 2018, primarily due
to the following factors:
•
•
•
•
An increase of RMB3.3 billion in depreciation and bandwidth costs, resulted from increased investment in infrastructure.
An increase of RMB3.1 billion in cost of goods sold, which was in line with the growth in sales of Xiaodu smart devices.
An increase of RMB2.0 billion in content costs, resulted from iQIYI’s higher content costs recorded relating to licensed copyrights and
produced content as iQIYI continued to invest in comprehensive and diversified content library.
An increase of RMB1.5 billion in traffic acquisition costs, resulted from increasing TAC prices.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased slightly by RMB679 million from
RMB19.2 billion in 2018 to RMB19.9 billion in 2019.
Research and Development Expenses. Our research and development expenses increased by RMB2.5 billion from RMB15.8 billion in 2018 to
RMB18.3 billion in 2019, primarily due to an increase of RMB2.3 billion in research and development personnel related expenses, which was in line
with the growth in research and development headcount.
Operating profit. As a result of the foregoing, we generated an operating profit of RMB6.3 billion in 2019, a 59% decrease from RMB15.5 billion
in 2018.
Total other income (loss). Our total other loss, net was RMB6.6 billion in 2019, compared to total other income, net of RMB11.8 billion in 2018.
Total other loss, net in 2019 mainly comprises non-cash impairment loss on an equity investment arising from other-than-temporary decline. In 2019,
the market value of the shares of Trip.com declined, and the continuing low market price caused us to recognize a non-cash impairment loss of
RMB8.9 billion in the third quarter of 2019. In October 2019, we sold a portion of our holding in Trip.com, reducing the interest of outstanding shares
of Trip.com from 19% to 12%. Total other income, net in 2018 mainly comprises gains from the disposal of Du Xiaoman (financial services business)
and fair value gains on private company equity investments without readily determinable fair values in accordance with ASC 321.
Income taxes. Our income tax expense was RMB1.9 billion in 2019, a 59% decrease from RMB4.7 billion in 2018. The decrease in income tax
expense was mainly due to lower profit before income tax from Baidu Core.
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests. Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests was RMB4.3 billion in 2019, compared to
RMB5.0 billion in 2018.
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. decreased from RMB27.6 billion in
2018 to RMB2.1 billion in 2019.
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Segment Revenues
The following table sets forth our revenues by segment and the year-over-year change rate for the periods indicated, with each segment revenues
including inter-segment revenues:
2018
RMB
Year ended December 31,
2019
2020
RMB
YoY%
RMB
US$
YoY%
(In millions, except percentages)
Baidu Core:
Online marketing services
Cloud services
Interest income earned from provision of financial services
Others
Subtotal
iQIYI:
Online advertising services
Membership services
Content distribution
Others
Subtotal
Intersegment eliminations
Total revenue
72,645 70,038
6,370 112
(4) 66,283 10,158
9,173 1,406
(5)
3,005
44
1,724 — (100) — — —
(2)
(1)
495
2 78,684 12,059
3,303 268
3,228
897
78,271 79,711
9,329
2,163
2,874
8,271
10,623 14,436
2,544
3,743
24,989 28,994
(1,292)
102,277 107,413
(983)
(11)
6,822 1,046
36 16,491 2,527
408
2,660
18
30
572
3,734
16 29,707 4,553
(202)
31
5 107,074 16,410
(1,317)
(18)
14
5
(0)
2
2
(0)
Baidu Core. Baidu Core revenue was RMB78.7 billion (US$12.1 billion) in 2020, decreasing by RMB1.0 billion, or 1%, from RMB79.7 billion
in 2019.
Our online marketing revenues for Baidu Core in 2020 were RMB66.3 billion (US$10.2 billion), decreasing by RMB3.7 billion, or 5%, compared
to RMB70.0 billion in 2019, mainly due to weakness in online marketing services demand, as our customers in industries that were negatively impacted
by the COVID-19 outbreak and other factors, including healthcare, franchising, travel, financial services and education, reduced their budgets on online
marketing.
The number of our active online marketing customers decreased from approximately 528,000 in 2019 to approximately 505,000 in 2020, while the
average revenue per customer decreased slightly from approximately RMB132,700 in 2019 to approximately RMB131,300 (US$20,120) in 2020. The
decrease of our active online marketing customers was primarily due to quarantines, travel restrictions, and the temporary closure of businesses and
facilities and resulting impact to general economy brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revenue from Baidu cloud services, interest income earned from provision of financial services, and others are included in “Other revenue” in the
statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Baidu Core’s cloud services revenue in 2020 were RMB9.2 billion (US$1.4 billion), increasing by RMB2.8 billion, or 44%, compared to
RMB6.4 billion in 2019, due to the rapid adoption of our cloud service and products.
Baidu Core’s other revenues were RMB3.2 billion (US$495 million) in 2020, decreasing by RMB75 million, or 2%, compared to RMB3.3 billion
in 2019.
Baidu Core revenue was RMB79.7 billion in 2019, increasing by RMB1.4 billion, or 2%, from RMB78.3 billion in 2018.
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Online marketing revenues for Baidu Core in 2019 were RMB70.0 billion, decreasing by RMB2.6 billion, or 4%, from RMB72.6 billion in 2018,
mainly due to weakness in healthcare, financial services and auto/logistics sectors, offset by strength in education, retail/e-commerce, travel and network
services sectors. During 2019, we implemented an initiative in an attempt to require healthcare marketing customers to move their landing sites onto our
Managed Page. Requiring healthcare customers to adopt our structured data solution allows us to better monitor the content they offer and increase
consumer trust. In addition, certain sectors, such as financial services, were impacted by industry-specific policy changes and slowing macroeconomic
environment. These changes dampened revenue growth, compared to the year before.
The number of our active online marketing customers increased from approximately 526,000 in 2018 to approximately 528,000 in 2019, while the
average revenue per customer decreased from approximately RMB138,100 in 2018 to approximately RMB132,700 in 2019. In 2018, we began to wind
down our local express business, which provided merchants with a turn-key solution to participate in our online marketing and transaction services,
leading certain vendors discontinuing their business with us in 2018 and 2019. Excluding the impact of local express business, the number of our active
online marketing customers increased from approximately 507,000 in 2018 to approximately 524,000 in 2019.
Our active customers of online marketing services in a given period are defined as those persons or entities that purchase at least one of Baidu
Core’s online marketing services during the same period. The definition has been refined from the one we used in our 2017 annual report to better reflect
how the management evaluates our operating results. The number of our active online marketing customer and the average revenue per customer has
been presented on a consistent basis in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Baidu Core’s cloud services revenue in 2019 were RMB6.4 billion, increasing by RMB3.4 billion, or 112%, compared to RMB3.0 billion in 2018,
due to the rapid adoption of our cloud services and products.
Interest income earned from provision of financial services were nil in 2019, decreased from RMB1.7 billion in 2018, as we divested our financial
services business in August 2018.
Other revenues for Baidu Core in 2019 were RMB3.3 billion, increasing by RMB2.4 billion, or 268% from RMB897 million in 2018, primarily
due to the increase in revenue from sales of our Xiaodu smart devices.
iQIYI. iQIYI revenue was RMB29.7 billion (US$4.6 billion) in 2020, increasing by RMB713 million, or 2%, from RMB29.0 billion in 2019.
iQIYI online advertising services revenue are included in “Online marketing revenue” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income
(loss).
iQIYI’s online advertising revenues in 2020 were RMB6.8 billion (US$1.0 billion), decreasing by RMB1.5 billion, or 18%, from RMB8.3 billion
in 2019, as a result of the challenging macroeconomic environment in China, and the tightened advertising budget of advertisers and intensified
competition in advertising business, as well as the tightened regulatory environment and the uncertainty of certain content scheduling in the early stage
of COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2020. However, iQIYI’s online advertising services revenue has been rebounding since the second quarter
of 2020 as iQIYI’s advertisers gradually recovered their advertising budgets. Average brand advertising revenue per brand advertiser increased by 11%
from RMB5.9 million in 2019 to RMB6.6 million (US$1.0 million) in 2020.
Revenue from iQIYI membership services, content distribution, and others are included in “Other revenue” in the statements of comprehensive
income (loss).
Membership revenue of iQIYI in 2020 were RMB16.5 billion (US$2.5 billion), increasing by RMB2.1 billion, or 14%, compared to
RMB14.4 billion in 2019, primarily driven by (i) an increase in the
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average revenue per user due to the increase in the members’ willingness to pay for the premium content that iQIYI have been offering, and (ii) the
relatively stable number of subscribing members of 101.7 million in 2020 as compared with 106.9 million in 2019.
iQIYI content distribution revenue increased by 5% from RMB2.5 billion in 2019 to RMB2.7 billion (US$408 million) in 2020, primarily caused
by the increase of high-quality content which fulfilled distribution to several platforms.
iQIYI other revenue for iQIYI was RMB3.7 billion (US$572 million), which remained stable as compared to RMB3.7 billion in 2019.
iQIYI revenue was RMB29.0 billion in 2019, increasing by RMB4.0 billion, or 16% from RMB25.0 billion in 2018.
Online advertising revenues for iQIYI in 2019 were RMB8.3 billion, decreasing by RMB1.0 billion, or 11%, from RMB9.3 billion in 2018,
primarily due to the challenging macroeconomic environment, the delay of certain content launches and intensified competition in the advertising
business. Average brand advertising revenue per brand advertiser decreased by 12% from RMB6.7 million in 2018 to RMB5.9 million in 2019.
iQIYI membership services were RMB14.4 billion in 2019, increasing by RMB3.8 billion, or 36%, from RMB10.6 billion in 2018, which was
primarily due to the growth of iQIYI subscribing members from 87.4 million in 2018 to 106.9 million in 2019.
iQIYI content distribution revenues were RMB2.5 billion in 2019, increasing by RMB381 million, or 18%, from RMB2.2 billion in 2018,
primarily caused by an increased average transaction amount of premium content titles.
iQIYI other revenues were RMB3.7 billion in 2019, increasing by RMB869 million, or 30%, from RMB2.9 billion in 2018, primarily as a result
of the growth of a number of business verticals, especially the growth of our game business after the acquisition of Skymoons.
Segment Operating Costs and Expenses
The following table sets forth our operating costs and expenses by segment and the year-over-year change rate for the periods indicated, with each
segment operating costs and expenses including inter-segment costs and expenses:
Operating Costs and Expenses:
Baidu Core
iQIYI
2018
RMB
Year ended December 31,
2019
2020
RMB YoY%
RMB
US$ YoY%
(In millions, except percentages)
54,463
33,295
64,450
38,252
18
15
58,146
35,748
8,911
5,478
(10)
(7)
Baidu Core. Operating costs and expenses of Baidu Core mainly consist of personnel-related costs, traffic acquisition costs, marketing and
promotion spending, depreciation expenses, costs of goods sold, content costs, bandwidth cost and sales tax and surcharges.
Cost of revenues. The cost of revenues of Baidu Core decreased by 17% from RMB34.0 billion in 2019 to RMB28.4 billion (US$4.3 billion) in
2020, primarily due to a decrease in traffic acquisition costs, sales tax and surcharges and costs of goods sold.
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The cost of revenues of Baidu Core increased by 34% from RMB25.4 billion in 2018 to RMB34.0 billion in 2019, primarily due to an increase in
costs of goods sold, content costs, depreciation expenses, and traffic acquisition costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. The selling, general and administrative expenses of Baidu Core decreased by 12% from
RMB14.7 billion in 2019 to RMB12.9 billion (US$2.0 billion) in 2020, primarily due to a decrease in channel spending, promotional marketing and
personnel-related expenses.
The selling, general and administrative expenses of Baidu Core decreased by 4% from RMB15.3 billion in 2018 to RMB14.7 billion in 2019,
primarily due to a decrease in channel spending and personnel-related expenses, offset by an increase in promotional spending.
Research and development expenses. The research and development expenses of Baidu Core increased by 7% from RMB15.7 billion in 2019 to
RMB16.8 billion (US$2.6 billion) in 2020, primarily due to an increase in personnel-related expenses.
The research and development expenses of Baidu Core increased by 14% from RMB13.8 billion in 2018 to RMB15.7 billion in 2019, primarily
due to an increase in personnel-related expenses.
iQIYI. Operating costs and expenses of iQIYI mainly consist of content costs, personnel-related costs, bandwidth costs, marketing and promotion
spending, and payment platform charges.
Cost of revenues. The cost of revenues of iQIYI decreased by 8% from RMB30.3 billion in 2019 to RMB27.9 billion (US$4.3 billion) in 2020,
primarily due to lower content costs and bandwidth cost.
The cost of revenues of iQIYI increased by 12% from RMB27.1 billion in 2018 to RMB30.3 billion in 2019, primarily due to higher content costs
and other cost items.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. The selling, general and administrative expenses of iQIYI were RMB5.2 billion (US$795 million) in
2020, which was basically flat from 2019.
The selling, general and administrative expenses of iQIYI increased by 26% from RMB4.2 billion in 2018 to RMB5.2 billion in 2019, primarily
due to increased sales and marketing expenses related to certain iQIYI apps and its game business, as well as higher personnel-related compensation
expenses.
Research and development expenses. The research and development expenses of iQIYI were RMB2.7 billion (US$410 million) in 2020, which
was basically flat from 2019.
The research and development expenses of iQIYI increased by 34% from RMB2.0 billion in 2018 to RMB2.7 billion in 2019, primarily due to an
increase in personnel-related costs.
Inflation
Inflation in China has not materially impacted our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the annual
average percent changes in the consumer price index in China for 2018, 2019 and 2020 were 2.1%, 2.9% and 2.5%, respectively. The year-over-year
percent change in the consumer price index for January 2019, 2020 and 2021 was an increase of 1.7%, an increase of 5.4% and a decrease of 0.3%,
respectively. Although we have not been materially affected by inflation in the past, we can provide no assurance that we will not be affected in the
future by higher rates of inflation in China. For example, certain operating costs and expenses, such as employee compensation and office operating
expenses may increase as a result of higher inflation. Additionally, because a substantial portion of our assets consists of cash and cash equivalents and
short-term investments, high inflation could significantly reduce the value and purchasing power of these assets. We are not able to hedge our exposure
to higher inflation in China.
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Foreign Currency
The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the RMB has declined from RMB8.1056 per USD in July 2005 to RMB6.5250 per USD in
December 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we recorded RMB840 million (US$129 million) of net foreign currency translation loss in accumulated
other comprehensive income as a component of shareholders’ equity. We have not hedged exposures to exchange fluctuations using any hedging
instruments. See also “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Fluctuation in the value of the RMB may
have a material and adverse effect on your investment.” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Foreign Exchange
Risk.”
Critical Accounting Policies
We prepare financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of our assets and liabilities and the disclosure of our contingent assets and liabilities at the end of each fiscal period and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during each fiscal period. We continually evaluate these judgments and estimates based on our own historical
experience, knowledge and assessment of current business and other conditions, our expectations regarding the future based on available information
and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, which together form our basis for making judgments about matters that are not readily apparent from
other sources. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, our actual results could differ from those estimates.
Some of our accounting policies require a higher degree of judgment than others in their application.
The selection of critical accounting policies, the judgments and other uncertainties affecting application of those policies and the sensitivity of
reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions are factors that should be considered when reviewing our financial statements. For further
information on our critical accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. We believe the following accounting policies
involve the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Consolidation of Affiliated Entities
In order to comply with PRC laws and regulations limiting foreign ownership of or imposing conditions on internet content, advertising, audio and
video services, and mobile app distribution businesses, we operate our websites and conduct our internet content, advertising, audio and video services,
and mobile app distribution businesses through our affiliated entities in China by means of contractual arrangements. We have entered into certain
exclusive agreements with the affiliated entities directly or through our subsidiaries, which obligate us to absorb losses of the VIEs’ that could
potentially be significant to the VIEs or entitle the Primary Beneficiaries to receive economic benefits from the VIEs that could potentially be significant
to the VIEs. In addition, we have entered into certain agreements with the affiliated entities and the nominee shareholders of affiliated entities directly or
through our subsidiaries, which enable us to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the affiliated entities. Based
on these contractual arrangements, we consolidate the affiliated entities as required by ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, because we hold all the variable
interests of the affiliated entities directly or through the subsidiaries, which are the primary beneficiaries of the affiliated entities. We will reconsider the
initial determination of whether a legal entity is a consolidated affiliated entity upon certain events listed in ASC 810-10-35-4 occurring. We will also
continuously reconsider whether we are the primary beneficiaries of our affiliated entities as facts and circumstances change. See “Item 3.D. Key
Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure.”
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Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
Adoption of ASU 2019-02
In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials
(“ASU 2019-02”), which includes the following major changes from previous legacy GAAP that are applicable to our company:
•
•
•
•
The content distinction for capitalization of production costs of an episodic television series and production costs of films is removed;
Entities are required to test films and license agreements for program material for impairment at a film group level when the film or license
agreements are predominantly monetized with other films and license agreements;
Entities shall assess estimates of the use of a film in a film group and account for such changes prospectively; and
Cash outflows for the costs incurred to obtain rights for both produced and licensed content are required to be reported as operating cash
outflows in the statement of cash flows.
The Company adopted ASU 2019-02 on January 1, 2020, using a prospective transition method. For the year ended December 31, 2020, cash
outflows for the costs incurred to acquire licensed content copyrights are reported as operating cash outflows in our company’s consolidated statement
of cash flows whereas they were reported as investing cash outflows prior to the adoption of ASU 2019-02. There was no material impact to the
consolidated balance sheet or consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). See our company’s updated accounting policies for Produced
Content and Licensed Copyrights for further details.
Segment Reporting
As of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, we had two reportable segments, Baidu Core and iQIYI. Baidu Core mainly provides search-based,
feed-based, and other online marketing services, as well as products and services from our new AI initiatives. iQIYI is an online entertainment service
provider that offers original, professionally produced and partner-generated content on its platform. In early April 2018, iQIYI completed its initial
public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq Global Market.
Our chief executive officer, who has been identified as the chief operating decision marker, (“CODM”), reviews the operating results of Baidu
Core and iQIYI, to allocate resources and assess our performance. Accordingly, the financial statements include segment information which reflects the
current composition of the reportable segments in accordance with ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting.
Revenue Recognition
We adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), codified in ASC Topic 606, Revenue
from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) from January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method.
Revenue is recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to our customers in an amount of consideration to which an
entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recorded net of valued added taxes (“VAT”).
(1)
Performance-based online marketing services
Cost-per-click (“CPC”)
Our auction-based P4P platform enables customers to bid for priority placement of paid sponsored links and reach users who search for
information related to their products or services. P4P online marketing customers can
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choose from search-based and feed-based online marketing services, and select criteria for their inventory purchase, such as daily spending limit and
user profile targeted, including, but not limited to, users from specific regions in China and users online during specific time period. Revenue is
recognized when all of the revenue recognition criteria are met, which is generally when a user clicks on one of the customer-sponsored links or feed-
based marketing.
Other performance-based online marketing services
To the extent the we provide online marketing services based on performance criteria other than cost-per-click, such as the number of downloads
(and user registration) of mobile apps and the pre-determined ratios of completed transaction volumes, revenue is recognized when the specified
performance criteria are met along with the satisfaction of other applicable revenue recognition criteria.
(2) Online display advertising services
We provide online display advertising services to its customers by integrating text description, image and/or video, and displaying the
advertisement in the search result, in Baidu Feed or on other properties. We recognize revenue on a pro-rata basis over the contractual term for cost per
time advertising arrangements, commencing on the start date of the display advertisement, or based on the number of times that the advertisement has
been displayed for cost per thousand impressions advertising arrangements.
(3) Baidu Union online marketing services
Baidu Union is a program through which we expand distribution of its customers’ sponsored links or advertisements by leveraging the traffic of
Baidu Union partners’ online properties. We acquire traffic from Baidu Union partners and we are responsible for service fulfillment, pricing and
bearing inventory risks. The services which we provide to customers through Baidu Union partners’ online properties include CPC, other performance-
based online marketing services and online display advertising services. These services are provided in the same way to our customers as those through
Baidu’s own platforms or properties. As principal, we recognize revenue from Baidu Union on a gross basis. Payments made to Baidu Union partners
are recorded as traffic acquisition costs, which are included in “Cost of revenues” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Certain online marketing services customers are required to pay a deposit before using our services. Once their account balance falls below a
designated amount, they will receive an automated notice from us to replenish their accounts. Customer deposit is deducted and revenue is recognized
when a user clicks on the customer’s link in the search result or when other performance criteria other than CPC have been satisfied. We offer payment
terms to certain customers based on their credit history with us and other credit factors. We may also offer payment terms to certain agencies, as is
common in the industry.
(4) Collection
Certain customers of online marketing services are required to pay a deposit before using our services and are sent automated reminders to
replenish their accounts when the balance falls below a designated amount. The deposits received are recorded as “Customer deposits and deferred
revenue” on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts due to us are deducted from the deposited amounts when users click on the paid sponsored
links in the search results or other performance criteria have been satisfied. In addition, we offer payment terms to some customers based on their
historical marketing placements and credibility. We also offer longer payment terms to certain online payment agencies, consistent with industry
practice.
Payment terms and conditions vary by customer and are based on the billing schedule established in our contracts or purchase orders with
customers, but we generally provide credit terms to customers within one year; therefore, we have determined that our contracts do not include a
significant financing component.
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(5)
Sales incentives
We provide sales incentives to third-party agents that entitle them to receive price reduction on the online marketing services by meeting certain
cumulative consumption requirements. We account for these incentives granted to customers as variable consideration and net them against revenue.
Amounts of variable consideration is measured based on the most likely amount of incentives to be provided to customers.
(6) Membership services
We offer membership services to subscribing members with various privileges, which primarily include access to exclusive and ad-free streaming
of premium content 1080P/4K high definition video, Dolby Audio, and accelerated downloads and others, or personal cloud services, in exchange for
non-refundable upfront membership fees. When the receipt of membership fees is for services to be delivered over a period of time, the receipt is
initially recorded as “Customer deposits and deferred revenue” and revenue is recognized ratably over the membership period as services are rendered.
Membership services revenue also includes fees earned from subscribing members for on-demand content purchases and early access to premium
content. We are the principal in its relationships where partners, including consumer electronics manufacturers (TVs and cell phones), mobile operators,
internet service providers and online payment agencies, provide access to the membership services or payment processing services as we retain control
over its service delivery to its subscribing members. Typically, payments made to the partners, are recorded as “Cost of revenues”. For the sale of the
right to other membership services through strategic cooperation with other parties, we recognize revenue on a net basis when we do not control the
specified services before they are transferred to the customer.
(7) Content distribution
We generate revenues from sub-licensing content licensed from vendors for cash or through nonmonetary exchanges mainly with other online
video broadcasting companies. The exclusive licensing agreements we enter into with the vendors have a specified license period and provide us rights
to sub-license these contents to other parties. We enter into a non-exclusive sub-license agreement with a sub-licensee for a period that falls within the
original exclusive license period. For cash sub-licensing transactions, we are entitled to receive the sub-license fee under the sub-licensing arrangements
and do not have any future obligation once we have provided the underlying content to the sub-licensee (which is provided at or before the beginning of
the sub-license period). The sub-licensing of content represents a license of functional intellectual property that grants a right to use our licensed
copyrights, and is recognized at the point in time when the licensed copyright is made available for the customer’s use and benefit.
We also enter into nonmonetary transactions to exchange online broadcasting rights of licensed copyrights with other online video broadcasting
companies from time to time. The exchanged licensed copyrights provide rights for each party to broadcast the licensed copyrights received on its own
website only. Each transferring party retains the right to continue broadcasting the exclusive content on its own website and/or sublicense the rights to
the content it surrendered in the exchange. We account for these nonmonetary exchanges based on the fair value of the asset received. Barter
sublicensing revenue are recognized in accordance with the same revenue recognition criteria above. We estimate the fair value of the licensed
copyrights received using a market approach based on various factors, including the purchase price of similar non-exclusive and/or exclusive contents,
broadcasting schedule, cast and crew, theme, and box office. The transaction price of barter sublicensing revenues is calculated on the individual content
asset basis. For a significant barter sublicensing transaction, our company further reviews the fair value by analyzing against the cost of the licensed
copyrights bartered out and/or engages a third-party valuation firm to assess the reasonableness of its fair value. The attributable cost of sublicensing
transactions, whether for cash or through nonmonetary exchanges, is recognized as cost of revenues through the amortization of the sublicensing right
component of the exclusive licensed copyright.
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(8) Financial services
Before the divestiture of Du Xiaoman in August 2018, we offer financial services which include provision of installment payment services to
consumers and wealth management services to third-party investors. Interest income earned from provision of financial services is reported as “Other
revenues” and reported on a net basis after deduction of related interest costs incurred.
(9) Cloud services
We provide public cloud services, which include computing database, storage and other services to enterprise and personal customers and allow
customers to use hosted software over the contract period without taking possession of the software, generally on either a subscription or consumption
basis. We also provide proprietary cloud services and solutions which mainly include hardware, software licensing and software installation service.
Revenue related to cloud services provided on a subscription basis is recognized ratably over the contract period. Revenue related to cloud services
provided on a consumption basis, such as the amount of storage used in a period, is recognized based on the customer utilization of such resources.
Cloud service revenue is recognized over time if one of the following three criteria is met: (i) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes
the benefits as we perform; (ii) our performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced; (iii) the asset
delivered has no alternative use and we have an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. Otherwise, revenue is recognized at a
point in time only upon customer acceptance of the cloud services.
(10) Sales of hardware
We sell hardware products via third-party agents or directly to end customers. Revenue from the sales of hardware is recognized when control of
the goods is transferred to customers, which generally occurs when the products are delivered and accepted by our customers. Revenue is recorded net
of sales incentives and return allowance.
(11) Other revenue recognition related policies
For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, primarily for advertisements to be displayed in different spots, placed under
different forms and displayed at different times and proprietary cloud services which mainly include hardware, software licensing and software
installation service, we would evaluate all of the performance obligations in the arrangement to determine whether each performance obligation is
distinct. Consideration is allocated to each performance obligation based on its standalone selling price at contract inception. We generally determine
standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers on a standalone basis or estimates it using an expected cost plus margin approach. If a
promised good or service does not meet the criteria to be considered distinct, it is combined with other promised goods or services until a distinct bundle
of goods or services exists.
Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. For certain services customers are required to pay before the
services are delivered to the customer. When either party to a revenue contract has performed, we recognize a contract asset or a contract liability on the
consolidated balance sheet, depending on the relationship between the entity’s performance and the customer’s payment. Contract liabilities were mainly
related to fees for membership services to be provided over the membership period, which were presented as “Customer deposits and deferred revenue”
on the consolidated balance sheets. Contract assets mainly represent unbilled amounts related to our rights to consideration for advertising services and
cloud services delivered and were included in “Other current assets, net” on the consolidated balance sheets.
We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and
(ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed.
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Share-based Compensation
We account for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, (“ASC 718”). We have elected
to recognize share-based compensation using the straight-line method for all share-based awards issued with no performance conditions. For awards
with performance conditions, compensation cost is recognized on an accelerated basis if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.
Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience and are periodically reviewed. Cancellation of an award accompanied by the concurrent
grant of a replacement award is accounted for as a modification of the terms of the cancelled award (“modified awards”). The compensation costs
associated with the modified awards are recognized if either the original vesting condition or the new vesting condition is achieved. Total recognized
compensation cost for the awards is at least equal to the fair value of the awards at the grant date unless at the date of the modification the performance
or service conditions of the original awards are not expected to be satisfied. The incremental compensation cost is measured as the excess of the fair
value of the replacement award over the fair value of the cancelled award at the cancellation date. Therefore, in relation to the modified award, we
recognize share-based compensation over the vesting periods of the replacement award, which comprises (i) the amortization of the incremental portion
of share-based compensation over the remaining vesting term, and (ii) any unrecognized compensation cost of the original award, using either the
original term or the new term, whichever results in higher expenses for each reporting period.
We adopted ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment
Accounting to simplify the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees (“ASU 2018-07”) on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective
method. Subsequent to the adoption, our company measures equity-classified nonemployee awards using their fair value on grant date.
Income Taxes
We recognize income taxes under the liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial reporting and
tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. We record a valuation
allowance against the amount of deferred tax assets that we determine is not more-likely-than-not to be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change
in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. For reconciliation of tax computed by applying the respective
statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income, please see “Income taxes” under Note 14 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
Deferred income taxes are recognized on the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, which are presumed to be transferred to the parent company
and are subject to withholding taxes, unless there is sufficient evidence to show that the subsidiary has invested or will invest the undistributed earnings
indefinitely or that the earnings will be remitted in a tax-free liquidation.
We apply the provisions of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, (“ASC 740”), in accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. ASC 740 clarifies the
accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing the recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the
financial statements. We have elected to classify interest and penalties related to an uncertain tax position (if and when required) as part of income tax
expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Long-term investments
Our long-term investments consist of equity investments with readily determinable fair value, equity method investments, held-to-maturity debt
investments, available-for-sale debt investments, equity investments without readily determinable fair value, and other investments accounted for at fair
value.
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We adopted ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”), codified in ASC
Topic 321, Investments—Equity Securities (“ASC 321”), from January 1, 2018 and the cumulative effect of RMB1.9 billion representing the unrealized
gains of available-for-sale equity securities before the adoption was recorded as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings. Pursuant to ASC 321,
equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method, those that result in consolidation of the investee and certain other
investments, are measured at fair value, and any changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. For equity securities without readily determinable fair
value and do not qualify for the existing practical expedient in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) to estimate fair
value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) of the investment, we elected to use the measurement alternative to measure those
investments at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar
investments of the same issuer, if any. Significant judgments are required to determine (i) whether observable price changes are orderly transactions and
identical or similar to an investment held by our company, and (ii) the selection of appropriate valuation methodologies and underlying assumptions,
including expected volatility and the probability of exit events as it relates to liquidation and redemption features used to measure the price adjustments
for the difference in rights and obligations between instruments. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value, and
any changes in fair value are recognized in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
For equity investments measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings, we do not assess whether those securities are
impaired. For equity investments that we elect to use the measurement alternative, we make a qualitative assessment considering impairment indicators
to evaluate whether investments are impaired at each reporting date. Impairment indicators considered include, but are not limited to, a significant
deterioration in the earnings performance or business prospects of the investee, including factors that raise significant concerns about the investee’s
ability to continue as a going concern, a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic, or technologic environment of the investee and a
significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographical area or the industry in which the investee operates. If a qualitative
assessment indicates that the investment is impaired, we estimate the investment’s fair value in accordance with the principles of ASC 820. If the fair
value is less than the investment’s carrying value, we recognize an impairment loss in net income equal to the difference between the carrying value and
fair value.
Investments in entities in which we can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or control are accounted for
using the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (“ASC 323”). Under the
equity method, we initially record its investment at cost and the difference between the cost of the equity investee and the amount of the underlying
equity in the net assets of the equity investee is accounted for as if the investee were a consolidated subsidiary. We subsequently adjust the carrying
amount of its investment to recognize our proportionate share of each equity investee’s net income or loss into earnings. We will discontinue applying
the equity method if an investment (plus additional financial support provided to the investee, if any) has been reduced to zero. When we have other
investments in the equity-method investee and we are not required to advance additional funds to the investee, we would continue to report its share of
equity method losses in its statement of comprehensive (loss)income after our equity-method investment in ordinary shares has been reduced to zero, to
the extent of and as an adjustment to the adjusted basis of our other investments in the investee. Such losses are first applied to those investments of a
lower liquidation preference before being further applied to the investments of a higher liquidation preference. We adopted a one-quarter lag in reporting
for its share of equity income (loss) in all of its equity method investees.
We evaluate the equity method investments for impairment at each reporting date, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. Factors considered by us when determining whether an investment has
been other-than-temporarily-impaired, includes, but are not limited to, the length of the time and the extent to which the market value has been less than
cost, the financial performance and near-term prospect of the investee, and our intent and ability to retain the
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investment until the recovery of its cost. An impairment loss on the equity method investments is recognized in earnings when the decline in value is
determined to be other-than-temporary and is allocated to the individual net assets underlying equity method investments in the following order: 1)
reduce any equity method goodwill to zero; 2) reduce the individual basis differences related to the investee’s long-lived assets pro rata based on their
amounts relative to the overall basis difference at the impairment date and 3) reduce the individual basis difference of the investee’s remaining assets in
a systematic and rational manner.
In accordance with ASC Subtopic 946-320, Financial Services—Investment Companies, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities, we account for
long-term equity investments in unlisted companies held by consolidated investment companies at fair value. These investments were initially recorded
at their transaction price net of transaction costs, if any. Fair value of these investments are re-measured at each reporting date in accordance with ASC
820.
Available-for-sale debt investments are convertible debt instruments issued by private companies and investment in preferred shares that is
redeemable at our option, which are measured at fair value. Interest income is recognized in earnings. All other changes in the carrying amount of these
debt investments are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Licensed Copyrights, net
Licensed copyrights consist of professionally-produced content such as films, television series, variety shows and other video content acquired
from external parties. The license fees are capitalized and, unless prepaid, a corresponding liability is recorded when the cost of the content is known,
the content is accepted by us in accordance with the conditions of the license agreement and the content is available for its first showing on our websites.
Licensed copyrights are presented on the consolidated balance sheets as current and non-current, based on estimated time of usage.
Our licensed copyrights include the right to broadcast and in some instances, the right to sublicense. The broadcasting right, refers to the right to
broadcast the content on its own websites and the sublicensing right, refers to the right to sublicense the underlying content to external parties. When
licensed copyrights include both broadcasting and sublicensing rights, the content costs are allocated to these two rights upon initial recognition, based
on the relative proportion of the estimated total revenues that will be generated by each right over its estimated useful lives.
For the right to broadcast the contents on its own websites that generates online advertising and membership services revenues, based on factors
including historical and estimated future viewership patterns, the content costs are amortized using an accelerated method by content categories over the
shorter of each content’s contractual period or estimated useful lives within ten years, beginning with the month of first availability. Content categories
accounting for most of our content include newly released drama series, newly released movies, animations, library drama series and library movies.
Estimates of future viewership consumption patterns and economic useful lives are reviewed periodically, at least on an annual basis and revised, if
necessary. Revisions to the amortization patterns are accounted for as a change in accounting estimate prospectively in accordance with ASC Topic 250,
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (“ASC 250”).
For the right to sublicense the content to external parties that generates direct content distribution revenues, the content costs are amortized based
on its estimated usage pattern and recorded as cost of revenues.
Produced Content, net
We produce original content in-house and collaborates with external parties. Produced content primarily consists of films, episodic series, variety
shows and animations. The costs incurred in the physical production of original content includes direct production costs, production overhead and
acquisition costs. Production costs for
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original content that are predominantly monetized in a film group are capitalized and reported separately as non-current assets with caption of
“Produced content, net” on the consolidated balance sheets. Production costs for original content predominantly monetized on its own are capitalized to
the extent that they are recoverable from total revenues expected to be earned (“ultimate revenue”), otherwise, they are expensed as cost of revenues.
Ultimate revenue estimates include revenue expected to be earned from all sources, including exhibition, licensing, or exploitation of produced content
if we have demonstrated a history of earning such revenue. We estimate ultimate revenue to be earned during the economic useful lives of produced
content based on anticipated release patterns and historical results of similar produced content, which are identified based on various factors, including
cast and crew, target audience and popularity. Produced content also includes cash expenditures made to acquire a proportionate share of certain rights to
films including profit sharing, distribution and/or other rights. Exploitation costs are expensed as incurred.
Based on factors including historical and estimated future viewership consumption patterns, we amortize film costs for produced content that is
predominantly monetized in a film group. For produced content that is monetized on its own, we consider historical and estimated usage patterns to
determine the pattern of amortization for film costs. Based on the estimated patterns, we amortize produced content using an accelerated method over its
estimated useful lives within ten years, beginning with the month of first availability and such costs are included in “Cost of revenues” in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income(loss).
Impairment of licensed copyrights and produced content
Our business model is mainly subscription and advertising based, as such the majority of our content assets (licensed copyrights and produced
content) are predominantly monetized with other content assets, whereas a smaller portion of our content assets are predominantly monetized at a
specific title level such as variety shows and investments in a proportionate share of certain rights to films including profit sharing, distribution and/or
other rights. Because the identifiable cash flows related to content launched on our Mainland China platform are largely independent of the cash flows
of other content launched on our overseas platform, we have identified two separate film groups. We review our film groups and individual content for
impairment when there are events or changes in circumstances that indicate the fair value of a film group or individual content may be less than its
unamortized costs. Examples of such events or changes in circumstances include, a significant adverse change in technological, regulatory, legal,
economic, or social factors, that could affect the fair value of the film group or the public’s perception of a film or the availability of a film for future
showings, a significant decrease in the number of subscribers or forecasted subscribers, or the loss of a major third-party agent, a change in the
predominant monetization strategy of a film that is currently monetized on its own, actual costs substantially in excess of budgeted costs, substantial
delays in completion or release schedules, or actual performance subsequent to release failing to meet expectations set before release such as a
significant decrease in the amount of ultimate revenue expected to be recognized.
When such events or changes in circumstances are identified, we assess whether the fair value of an individual content (or film group) is less than
its unamortized film costs, determines the fair value of an individual content (or film group) and recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by
which the unamortized capitalized costs exceed the individual content’s (or film group’s) fair value. We mainly use an income approach to determine the
fair value of an individual content or film group, for which the most significant inputs include forecasted future revenues, costs and operating expenses
attributable to the film group and the discount rate. An impairment loss attributable to a film group is allocated to individual licensed copyrights and
produced content within the film group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying values of those assets as we cannot estimate the fair value of
individual contents in the film group without undue cost and effort.
Business Combinations
We account for our business combinations using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations.
The purchase method of accounting requires that the consideration
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transferred to be allocated to the assets, including separately identifiable assets and liabilities we acquired, based on their estimated fair values. The
consideration transferred in an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of the assets given, liabilities incurred,
and equity instruments issued as well as the contingent considerations as of the acquisition date. The costs directly attributable to the acquisition are
expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the
acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any noncontrolling interests. The excess of (i) the total of cost of acquisition, fair value of the
noncontrolling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net
assets of the acquiree, is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the
difference is recognized directly in earnings.
In a business combination achieved in stages, we re-measured our previously held equity interest in the acquiree immediately before obtaining
control at its acquisition-date fair value and the re-measurement gain or loss, if any, is recognized in earnings.
The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests is based on
various assumptions and valuation methodologies requiring considerable judgment from management. The most significant variables in these valuations
are discount rates and the number of years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as the assumptions and estimates used to determine the
cash inflows and outflows. We determine discount rates to be used based on the risk inherent in the related activity’s current business model and industry
comparisons.
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2020, we had RMB162.9 billion (US$25.0 billion) of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments. Our
cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and investments in interest bearing demand deposit accounts, time deposits, money market funds and
other liquid investments which have original maturities of three months or less. The short-term investments primarily consist of fixed-rate and
adjustable-rate debt investments with original maturity of less than one year. We believe that our current cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and
short-term investments and anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs, including our cash needs for
working capital, capital expenditures and debt repayment, for at least the next 12 months. We may, however, require additional cash due to changing
business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue, and we may incur additional
indebtedness (such as loans, convertible senior notes and notes payable) in the future.
Furthermore, cash transfers from our PRC subsidiaries to their parent companies outside of China are subject to PRC government control of
currency conversion. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities
to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to their parent companies outside of China or our company, or otherwise satisfy
their foreign currency denominated obligations. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—
Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.” As of December 31, 2020, our PRC subsidiaries and
consolidated affiliated entities held RMB134.1 billion (US$20.6 billion) of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments,
RMB875 million (US$134 million) of which were in the form of foreign currencies.
The total outstanding balance of our short-term loans as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 amounted to RMB2.6 billion and RMB3.0 billion
(US$462 million) respectively, which consisted of RMB denominated borrowings made by our subsidiaries from financial institutions in the PRC and
were repayable within one year.
The repayment of substantially all short-term loans is guaranteed by the subsidiaries and VIEs of iQIYI and either collateralized by an office
building of one of iQIYI’s VIEs or collateralized by restricted cash or other
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receivables. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the weighted average interest rates for the outstanding borrowings were 4.05% and 4.30%, respectively
and the aggregate amounts of unused lines of credit for short-term loans were RMB1.6 billion and RMB840 million (US$129 million), respectively.
We have entered into the following long-term loan transactions with commercial banks:
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In June 2016, we entered into a five-year term and revolving facility agreement with a group of 21 syndicated bankers, pursuant to which
we are entitled to borrow an unsecured US$ denominated floating rate loan of US$1.0 billion with a term of five years and to borrow an
unsecured US$ denominated revolving loan of US$1.0 billion for five years. The facility was priced at 110 basis points over LIBOR and is
intended for our general working capital. In June 2016, we drew down two tranches of US$250 million each under the facility
commitment. In November 2016, we drew down two tranches of US$250 million each under the facility commitment. In connection with
the facility agreements, we entered into four interest rate swap agreements, pursuant to which the loans would be settled with a fixed
annual interest rate of 2.11%, 2.10%, 2.78% and 2.78% respectively, during the respective term of the loans.
iQIYI has other bank borrowings of RMB909 million (US$139 million) as of December 31, 2020, primarily used for working capital
purposes, see note 12 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for further information.
In February 2021, we entered into a non-binding term sheet for a term and revolving facility with a group of five mandated lead arrangers,
bookrunners and underwriters, pursuant to which we are entitled to borrow an unsecured US$ denominated floating rate term loan of
US$1.5 billion with a term of 5 years and to borrow an unsecured US$ denominated revolving loan of US$1.5 billion for 5 years. The
facility is intended to finance the general corporate purposes and pay all transaction related fees and expenses.
We have conducted the following rounds of debt securities issuances, which remain outstanding as of the date of this annual report:
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In November 2012, we issued US$750 million senior unsecured notes due in 2017, with stated annual interest rates of 2.25%, and
US$750 million senior unsecured notes due in 2022 (“2022 Ten-year Notes”), with stated annual interest rates of 3.50%. The net proceeds
from the sale of the notes were used for general corporate purposes. In November 2017, notes with carrying value of US$750 million were
fully repaid when they became due. As of December 31, 2020, the total carrying value and estimated fair value of these notes were
US$750 million and US$786 million, respectively. The estimated fair value was based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt
securities as of December 31, 2020. We are not subject to any financial covenants or other significant restrictions under the notes. In 2020,
we paid an aggregate of US$26 million in interest payments related to these notes.
In June 2015, we issued an aggregate of US$750 million senior unsecured notes due in 2020 (“2020 Notes”), with stated annual interest
rate of 3.00%, and an aggregate of US$500 million senior unsecured notes due in 2025 (“2025 Ten-year Notes”), with stated annual
interest rate of 4.13%. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used for general corporate purposes. In June 2020, notes with
carrying value of US$750 million were fully repaid when they became due. As of December 31, 2020, the total carrying value and
estimated fair value were US$500 million and US$559 million, respectively, with respect to the 2025 Ten-year Notes. The estimated fair
values were based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2020. We are not subject to any financial
covenants or other significant restrictions under the notes. In 2020, we paid an aggregate of US$32 million in interest payments related to
these notes.
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In July 2017, we issued an aggregate of US$900 million senior unsecured notes due in 2022 (“2022 Five-year Notes”), with stated annual
interest rate of 2.88%, and an aggregate of US$600 million
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senior unsecured notes due in 2027 (“2027 Notes”), with stated annual interest rate of 3.63%. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes
were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2020, the total carrying value and
estimated fair value were US$900 million and US$926 million, respectively, with respect to the 2022 Five-year Notes, and
US$600 million and US$663 million, respectively, with respect to the 2027 Notes. The estimated fair values were based on quoted prices
for our publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2020. We are not subject to any financial covenants or other significant
restrictions under the notes. In 2020, we paid an aggregate of US$48 million in interest payments related to these notes.
In March 2018, we issued an aggregate of US$1.0 billion senior unsecured notes due in 2023 (“2023 Notes”), with stated annual interest
rate of 3.88%, and an aggregate of US$500 million senior unsecured notes due in 2028 (“2028 March Notes”), with stated annual interest
rate of 4.38%. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. As
of December 31, 2020, the total carrying value and estimated fair value were US$1.0 billion and US$1.1 billion, respectively, with respect
to the 2023 Notes, and US$500 million and US$576 million, respectively, with respect to the 2028 March Notes. The estimated fair values
were based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2020. We are not subject to any financial covenants
or other significant restrictions under the notes. In 2020, we paid an aggregate of US$61 million in interest payments related to these notes.
In November 2018, we issued an aggregate of US$600 million senior unsecured notes due in 2024 (“2024 November Notes”), with stated
annual interest rate of 4.38%, and an aggregate of US$400 million senior unsecured notes due in 2028 (“2028 November Notes”), with
stated annual interest rate of 4.88%. In December 2018, we issued an aggregate of US$250 million senior unsecured notes due in 2024
(“2024 December Notes”), with stated annual interest rate of 4.38%, which constitute a further issuance of, and be fungible with and be
consolidated and form a single series with the 2024 November Notes. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay
existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2020, the total carrying value and estimated fair value were
US$600 million and US$659 million, respectively, with respect to the 2024 November Notes, US$400 million and US$480 million,
respectively, with respect to the 2028 November Notes, and US$250 million and US$275 million, respectively, with respect to the 2024
December Notes. The estimated fair values were based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2020.
We are not subject to any financial covenants or other significant restrictions under the notes. In 2020, we paid an aggregate of
US$57 million in interest payments related to these notes.
In April 2020, we issued an aggregate of US$600 million senior unsecured notes due in 2025 (“2025 Five-year Notes”), with stated annual
interest rate of 3.075%, and an aggregate of US$400 million senior unsecured notes due in 2030 (“2030 April Notes”), with stated annual
interest rate of 3.425%. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate
purposes. As of December 31, 2020, the total carrying value and estimated fair value were US$600 million and US$642 million,
respectively, with respect to the 2025 Five-Year Notes, US$400 million and US$444 million, respectively, with respect to the 2030 April
Notes. The estimated fair values were based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2020. We are not
subject to any financial covenants or other significant restrictions under the notes.
In October 2020, we issued an aggregate of US$650 million senior unsecured notes due in 2026 (“2026 Notes”), with stated annual interest
rate of 1.720%, and an aggregate of US$300 million senior unsecured notes due in 2030 (“2030 October Notes”), with stated annual
interest rate of 2.375%. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes are to be used to repay existing indebtedness. As of December 31,
2020, the total carrying value and estimated fair value were US$650 million and US$663 million, respectively, with respect to the 2026
Notes, and US$300 million and US$307 million, respectively, with respect to the 2030 October Notes. The estimated fair values were
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based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2020. We are not subject to any financial covenants or
other significant restrictions under the notes.
iQIYI has conducted the following issuances of convertible notes, which remain outstanding as of the date of this annual report:
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In December 2018, iQIYI issued US$750 million convertible senior notes due 2023 (“iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes”). The iQIYI 2023
Convertible Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable semi-annually in cash at a rate of 3.75% per annum
with a maturity date of December 1, 2023, unless previously repurchased, redeemed or converted prior to such date. The initial conversion
rate of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes is 37.1830 of iQIYI’s ADSs per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible
Notes. Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver to such converting holders, as the case may be, cash, ADSs, or a combination of cash
and ADSs, at its election.
Concurrently with the issuance of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, iQIYI purchased capped call options on iQIYI’s ADS with certain
counterparties at a price of US$68 million. The capped call exercise price is equal to the initial conversion price of the iQIYI 2023
Convertible Notes and the cap price is US$38.42 per ADS, subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call transaction.
The cost of the capped call was recorded as a reduction of our additional paid-in capital and non-controlling interests on the consolidated
balance sheets with no subsequent remeasurement to fair value.
As the conversion option may be settled entirely or partially in cash at iQIYI’s option, we separated the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes into
liability and equity components in accordance with ASC Subtopic 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options. The carrying amount
of the liability component was calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated conversion
feature. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of
the liability component from the initial proceeds and recorded as additional paid-in capital. Debt issuance costs were allocated to the
liability and equity components based on the same proportion as the recognized amounts bifurcated based on gross proceeds from the
iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes. The difference between the principal amount of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes and the liability
component is considered debt discount and is amortized at an effective interest rate of 7.04% to accrete the discounted carrying value of
the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes to its face value on December 1, 2021, the put date of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes. The holders
may require iQIYI to repurchase all or portion of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes for cash on December 1, 2021, or upon a fundamental
change, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
In March 2019, iQIYI issued US$1.2 billion convertible senior notes due 2025 (“iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes”). The iQIYI 2025
Convertible Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable semi-annually in cash at a rate of 2.00% per annum
with a maturity date of April 1, 2025, unless previously repurchased, redeemed or converted prior to such date. The initial conversion rate
of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes is 33.0003 of iQIYI’s ADSs per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes.
Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver to such converting holders, as the case may be, cash, ADSs, or a combination of cash and
ADSs, at its election.
Concurrently with the issuance of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, iQIYI purchased call options on iQIYI’s ADS with certain
counterparties at a price of US$85 million. The capped call exercise price is equal to the initial conversion price of the iQIYI 2025
Convertible Notes and the cap price is US$40.02 per ADS, subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call transaction.
The cost of the capped call was recorded as a reduction of our additional paid-in capital and non-controlling interests on the consolidated
balance sheets with no subsequent remeasurement to fair value.
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The accounting of iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes is similar to that of iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes. The difference between the principal
amount of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes and the liability component is considered debt discount and is amortized at an effective
interest rate of 6.01% to accrete the discounted carrying value of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes to its face value on April 1, 2023, the
put date of the Notes. The holders may require iQIYI to repurchase all or portion of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes for cash on April 1,
2023, or upon a fundamental change, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
•
In January 2021, iQIYI completed the issuance of US$900 million convertible senior notes due 2026 (“iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes”).
The iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable semi-annually in cash at a rate of
4.00% per annum with a maturity date of December 15, 2026, unless previously repurchased, redeemed or converted prior to such date.
The initial conversion rate of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes is 44.8179 ADSs of iQIYI per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI
2026 Convertible Notes. Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver to such converting holders, as the case may be, cash, iQIYI ADSs, or
a combination of cash and iQIYI ADSs, at its election.
The iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes and the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes are collectively referred to the
Convertible Notes. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the principal amount of the liability component of the Convertible Notes were RMB13.6 billion
and RMB18.0 billion (US$2.8 billion), unamortized debt discount was RMB1.3 billion and RMB1.3 billion (US$195 million), and the net carrying
amount of the liability component were RMB12.3 billion and RMB16.7 billion (US$2.6 billion), respectively. The carrying amount of the equity
component of the Convertible Notes were RMB1.3 billion and RMB1.7 billion (US$267 million), respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2018,
2019 and 2020, the amount of interest cost recognized relating to both the contractual interest coupon and amortization of the discount on the liability
component were RMB24 million, RMB670 million and RMB799 million (US$123 million), respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the liability
component of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes and the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes will be accreted up to the
principal amount of RMB4.9 billion (US$750 million), RMB7.8 billion (US$1.2 billion) and RMB5.2 billion (US$800 million) over a remaining period
of 0.92 years, 2.25 years and 3.59 years, respectively.
We may use the net proceeds from our issuance and sale of the notes to fund the operations of our PRC subsidiaries by making additional capital
contributions to our existing PRC subsidiaries, injecting capital to establish new PRC subsidiaries and/or providing loans to our PRC subsidiaries. Such
transfer of funds from Baidu, Inc. or any of our offshore subsidiaries to our PRC subsidiaries is subject to the PRC regulatory restrictions and
procedures: (i) capital increase of the existing PRC subsidiaries and establishment of new PRC subsidiaries must be registered with the local branch of
SAMR and reported to the Ministry of Commerce via the online enterprise registration system, and registered with local banks authorized by SAFE; and
(ii) loans to any of our PRC subsidiaries must not exceed the statutory limit and must be filed with SAFE. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk
Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies
and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from making loans to our PRC subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities or
making additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could adversely affect our ability to fund and expand our business.”
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, we had RMB51.9 billion and RMB55.8 billion (US$8.6 billion) in long-term loans and notes payables
(including current portion of RMB6.0 billion and RMB7.4 billion (US$1.1 billion)), RMB12.3 billion and RMB16.7 billion (US$2.6 billion) in long-
term convertible notes (including current portion of nil and RMB4.8 billion (US$728 million), and had RMB2.6 billion and RMB3.0 billion
(US$462 million) in short-term loans, respectively. Our long-term loans and notes payable, long-term convertible notes and short-term loans include
those of iQIYI hereinafter. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, iQIYI had RMB1.6 billion and RMB909 million (US$139 million) in long-term loans
payables (including
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current portion of RMB737 million and RMB909 million (US$139 million)), RMB12.3 billion and RMB16.7 billion (US$2.6 billion) in long-term
convertible notes (including current portion of nil and RMB4.8 billion (US$728 million), and had RMB2.6 billion and RMB3.0 billion (US$455
million) in short-term loans, respectively.
Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, we had RMB141.5 billion, RMB147.4 billion and RMB162.9 billion (US$25.0 billion) in cash, cash
equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments.
We entered into definitive agreements with JOYY Inc. (“JOYY”) and certain of its affiliates in November 2020 and made certain amendments in
February 2021 to acquire JOYY’s domestic video-based entertainment live streaming business in China (“YY Live”) for an aggregate purchase price of
approximately US$3.6 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments. Approximately US$2.0 billion of the purchase price would be payable to JOYY at
the closing of the acquisition, subject to certain adjustments. After the closing, subject to certain conditions and adjustments, approximately US$1.0
billion would be payable no later than the later of the closing and April 30, 2021, and approximately US$300 million would be payable no later than the
later of the closing and June 30, 2021 and a maximum amount of US$300 million would be payable subject to the achievement of certain conditions. We
have paid an aggregate of US$1.9 billion, after considering working capital adjustment of US$0.1 billion, to JOYY and its designated escrow account,
and deposited an aggregate of US$1.6 billion into several escrow accounts, in accordance with the terms and schedule set forth in the share repurchase
agreement, with certain customary matters remaining to be completed in the near future.
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the years indicated:
Year ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
US$
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year
Operating Activities
(in millions)
35,967 28,458 24,200 3,709
(34,460) (19,974) (27,552) (4,223)
869
15,082
(32)
1,902
18,491
323
11,336 29,827 34,439 5,278
29,827 34,439 36,540 5,601
(3,873)
1
4,612
5,665
(212)
2,101
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to RMB24.2 billion (US$3.7 billion) in 2020 from RMB28.5 billion in 2019. This decrease
was primarily due to an addition of RMB10.5 billion (US$1.6 billion) in licensed copyrights resulting from reclassification of cash outflows for costs
incurred to acquire licensed contents from investing activities to operating activities due to the adoption of ASU 2019-02, an increase of RMB9.7 billion
(US$1.5 billion) in investment and interest income and a decrease of RMB7.8 billion (US$1.2 billion) in impairment of other assets, partially offset by
an increase of RMB21.3 billion (US$3.3 billion) in net income.
Net cash generated from operating activities decreased to RMB28.5 billion in 2019 from RMB36.0 billion in 2018. This decrease was primarily
due to a decrease of RMB24.9 billion in net income, partially offset by an increase of RMB9.5 billion in impairment of other assets and a decrease of
RMB6.1 billion in gain on disposal of subsidiaries.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was RMB27.6 billion (US$4.2 billion) in 2020, consisting primarily of RMB159.2 billion (US$24.4 billion)
in purchase of held-to-maturity investments, RMB133.0 billion (US$20.4 billion) in purchase of available-for-sale investments, RMB134.3 billion
(US$20.6 billion) in maturities of held-to-maturity
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investments, RMB135.6 billion (US$20.8 billion) in sales and maturities of available-for-sale investments, and RMB4.5 billion (US$685 million) in
purchase of other long-term investments offset by RMB6.5 billion (US$1.0 billion) in proceeds from disposal of long-term investments.
Net cash used in investing activities was RMB20.0 billion in 2019, consisting primarily of RMB12.2 billion for acquisition of licensed copyrights,
RMB6.4 billion for acquisition of fixed assets, RMB120.2 billion in purchase of held-to-maturity investments, RMB218.2 billion in purchase of
available-for-sale investments, offset by RMB46.6 billion in maturities of held-to-maturity investments and RMB291.2 billion in sales and maturities of
available-for-sale investments, and RMB6.3 billion in purchase of other long-term investments offset by RMB7.5 billion in proceeds from disposal of
long-term investments.
Net cash used in investing activities was RMB34.5 billion in 2018, consisting primarily of RMB13.1 billion for the acquisition of licensed
copyrights, RMB27.6 billion in purchase of held-to-maturity investments, RMB284.1 billion in purchase of available-for-sale investments and
RMB9.9 billion in purchase of long-term investments, offset by RMB49.0 billion in maturities of held-to-maturity investments and RMB239.9 billion in
sales and maturities of available-for sale investments, and RMB10.8 billion in our net cash inflow relating to the financial services business we divested
in 2018.
We have adopted ASU 2019-02 on January 1, 2020 which the FASB issued in March 2019, and report cash flows related to the acquisition of
licensed copyrights as “operating activities” in the statement of cash flows, beginning with the period of adoption, as opposed to “investing activities.”
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB5.7 billion (US$869 million) in 2020, consisting primarily of RMB13.3 billion (US$2.0
billion) from our issuance of long-term notes, RMB5.2 billion (US$789 million) from the issuance by iQIYI of convertible notes, and RMB4.7 billion
(US$715 million) from issuance of iQIYI’s shares, offset by RMB13.1 billion (US$2.0 billion) used to repurchase our shares and repayment of
RMB5.4 billion (US$824 million) for long-term notes.
Net cash used in financing activities was RMB3.9 billion in 2019, consisting primarily of our repayment of RMB6.9 billion for long-term notes
and RMB5.0 billion used to repurchase our shares, offset by RMB7.9 billion of net proceeds from the issuance by iQIYI of convertible notes.
Net cash generated from financing activities was RMB15.1 billion in 2018, consisting primarily of RMB18.1 billion of net proceeds from issuance
of long-term notes and RMB15.7 billion of proceeds from issuance of shares by our subsidiaries, which was primarily due to the initial public offering
of iQIYI’s ADSs in 2018, offset by net cash outflow of RMB21.3 billion relating to the financial services business we divested in 2018.
Capital Expenditures
We made capital expenditures of RMB8.8 billion, RMB6.4 billion and RMB5.1 billion (US$779 million) in 2018, 2019 and 2020, representing
9%, 6% and 5% of our total revenues, respectively. In the years of 2018, 2019 and 2020, our capital expenditures were primarily attributable to the
purchase of servers, network equipment and other computer hardware to increase our network infrastructure capacity. We funded our capital
expenditures primarily with net cash flows generated from operating activities.
Our capital expenditures may increase in the future as our business continues to grow, in connection with the expansion and improvement of our
network infrastructure and the construction of additional office buildings and cloud-computing based data centers. We currently plan to fund these
expenditures with our current cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and anticipated cash flow generated from our operating
activities.
Holding Company Structure
Baidu, Inc. is a holding company with no operations of its own. We conduct our operations in China primarily through our subsidiaries and
consolidated affiliated entities in China. As a result, although other means
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are available for us to obtain financing at the holding company level, Baidu, Inc.’s ability to pay dividends to the shareholders and to service any debt it
may incur may depend upon dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries and license and service fees paid by our PRC consolidated affiliated entities. If any
of our subsidiaries incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing such debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends to Baidu, Inc.
In addition, our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserve funds, which are not
distributable as cash dividends except in the event of a solvent liquidation of the companies.
Our PRC subsidiaries, being foreign-invested enterprises established in China, are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserves,
namely, a general reserve fund, an enterprise expansion fund, a staff welfare fund and a bonus fund, all of which are appropriated from net profit as
reported in their PRC statutory accounts. Each of our PRC subsidiaries is required to allocate at least 10% of its after-tax profits to a general reserve
fund until such fund has reached 50% of its respective registered capital. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus
funds are at the discretion of the board of directors of the PRC subsidiaries.
Our consolidated affiliated entities must make appropriations from their after-tax profits as reported in their PRC statutory accounts to
non-distributable reserve funds, namely a statutory surplus fund, a statutory public welfare fund and a discretionary surplus fund. Each of our
consolidated affiliated entities is required to allocate at least 10% of its after-tax profits to the statutory surplus fund until such fund has reached 50% of
its respective registered capital. Appropriations to the statutory public welfare fund and the discretionary surplus fund are at the discretion of our
consolidated affiliated entities.
Under PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities are subject to certain restrictions with respect to paying
dividends or otherwise transferring any of their net assets to us. The amounts restricted include the paid-up capital and the statutory reserve funds of our
PRC subsidiaries and the net assets of our consolidated affiliated entities in which we have no legal ownership, totaling RMB25.7 billion,
RMB40.8 billion and RMB45.0 billion (US$6.9 billion) as of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
C. Research and Development
We have a team of experienced engineers who are based mostly in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China. We also have development centers in
Sunnyvale, California and Seattle, Washington. We compete aggressively for engineering and recruit most of our engineers locally and have established
various recruiting and training programs with leading universities in China. We have also recruited experienced engineers globally.
In the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, our research and development expenditures were RMB15.8 billion, RMB18.3 billion and
RMB19.5 billion (US$3.0 billion), representing 15%, 17% and 18% of our total revenues, respectively. Our research and development expenses
primarily consist of salaries and benefits for research and development personnel. We expense research and development costs as they are incurred,
except for certain internal-use software.
D.
Trend Information
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the
year ended December 31, 2020 that are reasonably likely to have a material and adverse effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or
capital resources, or that would cause the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future results of operations or financial
conditions.
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. We have not
entered into any off-balance sheet derivative instruments. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an
unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated
entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.
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F.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations by specified categories as of December 31, 2020:
Payment Due by Period
Long-term debt obligations(1)
Operating lease obligations(2)
Purchase obligations for fixed assets
Purchase obligations for bandwidth and property management fees
Purchase obligations for content assets(3)
Investment commitment obligations(4)
Total
Total
84,842
7,839
754
1,373
21,771
1,454
118,033
Less Than
1 Year
1-3 Years
(In RMB millions)
26,366
3,289
13
458
9,660
NA
39,786
9,807
2,430
729
742
10,480
NA
24,188
3-5 Years
22,953
1,496
5
126
1,631
NA
26,211
More than
5 Years
25,716
624
7
47
—
NA
26,394
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Including estimated interest payments of RMB10.9 billion in total (RMB2.4 billion, RMB4.2 billion, RMB2.4 billion and RMB1.9 billion over the periods of less than one year, one to
three years, three to five years and more than five years from December 31, 2020, respectively). Please see “Loans Payable” under Note 12, “Notes Payable” under Note 13 and
“Convertible Notes” under Note 14 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
Operating lease obligations represent our obligations for leasing internet data center facilities and office premises, which include all future cash outflows under ASC Topic 842, Leases.
Please see “Leases” under Note 15 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
Purchase obligations for content assets consist primarily of expenditures for content assets under non-cancelable agreements for licensed copyrights and produced content.
Our investment commitments primarily relate to capital contributions obligation under certain arrangements which do not have contractual maturity date.
Other than the contractual obligations set forth above, we do not have any contractual obligations that are long-term debt obligations, operating
lease obligations, purchase obligations, investment commitment obligations or other long-term liabilities reflected on our consolidated balance sheet.
Item 6.
Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A. Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this annual report.
Directors and Executive Officers
Robin Yanhong Li
James Ding
Brent Callinicos
Yuanqing Yang
Jixun Foo
Herman Yu
Haifeng Wang
Dou Shen
Shanshan Cui
Victor Zhixiang Liang
Age
Position/Title
Independent Director
Independent Director
Independent Director
Independent Director
52 Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
55
55
56
52
50 Chief Financial Officer
49 Chief Technology Officer
41 Executive Vice President
45 Senior Vice President
47 Senior Vice President*
*
Subsequent to the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, we determined that Mr. Liang, holding the position of senior vice president, is an executive officer of our company.
Robin Yanhong Li is our co-founder, chief executive officer and chairman of our Board of Directors, overseeing our overall strategy and business
operations. Mr. Li has been serving as the chairman since our inception in January 2000 and as our chief executive officer since February 2004. Mr. Li
served as our president
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from February 2000 to December 2003. Prior to founding our company, Mr. Li worked as an engineer for Infoseek, a pioneer in the search industry, and
as a senior consultant for IDD Information Services. Mr. Li currently serves on the board of New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc., a private
educational services provider in China (NYSE: EDU; SEHK: 9901), Trip.com, an online travel agency in China (Nasdaq: TCOM) and iQIYI (Nasdaq:
IQ). Mr. Li received a bachelor’s degree in information science from Peking University and a master’s degree in computer science from the State
University of New York at Buffalo.
James Ding has served as our independent director since our initial public offering in August 2005. Mr. Ding brings a deep understanding of the
internet and artificial intelligence industry, which is relevant to and continuously supported the growth and evolution of our principal business since his
appointment. He also brings extensive experience as a high tech entrepreneur and chief executive officer of a Nasdaq-listed company. Mr. Ding is a
valuable member of the Company’s board of directors and continues to make important contribution to our company. He is also a member of our audit
committee and corporate governance and nominating committee, and the chairman of our compensation committee. Mr. Ding is currently a managing
director of GSR Ventures, which focuses on early stage companies in the artificial intelligence, big data, information technology related healthcare,
virtual reality/augmented reality and new media sectors. Prior to that, Mr. Ding served as a co-chairman of the board of directors of AsiaInfo-Linkage
Inc., a former Nasdaq-listed company, from July 2010 to January 2014. Mr. Ding also served as the chairman of the board of AsiaInfo from April 2003
to July 2010, and has served as a member of the board since AsiaInfo’s inception in 1993. Mr. Ding served as the chief executive officer and president of
AsiaInfo from 1999 to 2003 and as senior vice president and chief technology officer of AsiaInfo from 1993 to 1999. Mr. Ding currently serves as
director of the board of AsiaInfo (which is currently listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as AsiaInfo Technologies Limited with stock code 1675).
Mr. Ding received a master’s degree in information science from the University of California, Los Angeles and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from
Peking University in China.
Brent Callinicos has served as our independent director since October 2015, and as the chairman of our audit committee since April 2016.
Mr. Callinicos served as the chief operating officer and the chief financial officer of Virgin Hyperloop One from January 2017 to January 2018. Prior to
that, Mr. Callinicos served as the chief financial officer of Uber Technologies Inc. from September 2013 to March 2015, and then as an advisor for 18
additional months. Prior to joining Uber, he worked at Google from January 2007 to September 2013, where he last served as vice president, treasurer
and chief accountant. He also led green energy investments and financial services at Google Inc. From 1992 to 2007, he served in a variety of
increasingly senior roles at Microsoft Corporation, where he last served as corporate vice-president and divisional chief financial officer of the Platforms
and Services Division, and oversaw Microsoft’s Worldwide Licensing and Pricing and Microsoft Financing. He currently serves on the board of
directors of PVH Corp. (NYSE: PVH), and Rubicon, a private company. Mr. Callinicos is a certified public accountant. Mr. Callinicos received a
bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. degree from the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at Chapel Hill.
Yuanqing Yang has served as our independent director since October 2015. Mr. Yang is currently the chairman and chief executive officer of
Lenovo Group Limited (SEHK: 992), a director of Sureinvest Holdings Limited and Taikang Insurance Group. He also serves as a member of the
International Advisory Council of the Brookings Institution. Mr. Yang joined Lenovo in 1989 and has led the company from the initial China-based PC
maker to a diversified global technology leader. In 2011, FinanceAsia named Mr. Yang the Best CEO in China. In 2004 and 2012, Mr. Yang was named
one of the “CCTV China Annual Economic Figures.” He was on Barron’s list of Best CEOs in 2013, 2014 and 2015. In 2014, Mr. Yang won an Edison
Achievement Award for Innovation. Mr. Yang holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Science and Technology of China and
a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Jixun Foo has served as our independent director since July 2019. Mr. Foo has served as managing partner at GGV Capital since 2006, working
with entrepreneurs in the travel, transportation, social media, e-commerce
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and enterprise services sectors in China. Prior to joining GGV Capital, Mr. Foo was a director at Draper Fisher Jurvetson ePlanet Ventures, where he led
investments in Asia. Mr. Foo also previously led investments under the finance and investment division of the National Science and Technology Board
of Singapore and served as an R&D project group leader at Hewlett Packard. Mr. Foo currently serves on the board of XPeng Inc. (NYSE: XPEV) and
on the boards of a number of private companies, including Hello and Boss Zhipin. Mr. Foo received a First-Class Honors bachelor’s degree in
engineering and a master’s degree in the management of technology from the National University of Singapore.
Herman Yu has served as our chief financial officer since September 2017, overseeing our finance and purchasing functions. Prior to joining
Baidu, Mr. Yu served as the chief financial officer of Weibo Corporation, a social media company (Nasdaq: WB) from 2015 to 2017. Prior to Weibo,
Mr. Yu worked at SINA Corporation, a portal (Nasdaq: SINA) from 2004 to 2015, beginning as a Vice President, Finance, and in 2006 became the chief
financial officer. Mr. Yu currently serves on the board of directors of ZTO Express Inc., an express delivery company (NYSE: ZTO; SEHK: 2057), and
iQIYI (Nasdaq: IQ). Mr. Yu, a California Certified Public Accountant, received his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California,
Santa Cruz, and master in accountancy (MAcc) from the University of Southern California.
Haifeng Wang has served as our chief technology officer since May 2019, overseeing our AI lab, systems & technology and cloud group.
Dr. Wang joined Baidu in 2010 and was promoted to vice president in 2013. Dr. Wang oversaw our core search products from 2014 to 2017. He was
promoted to senior vice president in 2018. Prior to Baidu, Dr. Wang served as the chief research scientist at Toshiba’s R&D Center. Dr. Wang is the
president of National Engineering Laboratory for Deep Learning Technology and Applications. Dr. Wang was a fellow (and former president) of the
Association for Computational Linguistics (ACL) and the founding chair of ACL’s Asia-Pacific chapter. Dr. Wang obtained his bachelor’s, master’s, and
Ph.D. degrees in computer science from the Harbin Institute of Technology.
Dou Shen has served as executive vice president since May 2019. Previously, Dr. Shen served as senior vice president of Baidu’s mobile products,
overseeing the development of Baidu App, Haokan short video app and Smart Mini Program. Dr. Shen joined Baidu in 2012 and has served in various
management roles, including web search, display advertising and the financial services group. Prior to Baidu, Dr. Shen worked in the adCenter group at
Microsoft and sold Buzzlabs, a social media monitoring and analysis platform company that he co-founded, to IAC-owned CityGrid Media. Dr. Shen
currently serves on the board of directors of Trip.com, an online travel agency in China (Nasdaq: TCOM). Dr. Shen received a bachelor’s degree in
engineering from North China Electric Power University, a master’s degree in engineering from Tsinghua University, and a Ph.D. in computer science
from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Shanshan Cui currently serves as our senior vice president in charge of human resources and administrative functions since May 2019. Ms. Cui
joined us in January 2000 overseeing the search technology group, and is a founding member of the company. Ms. Cui left Baidu in July 2010 to pursue
personal interests and rejoined Baidu in December 2017, initially serving as Secretary General to our Organizational Culture Committee. In this
capacity, Ms. Cui oversaw employee culture and organization effectiveness, implementing initiatives, such as OKR (objectives & key results)
management, throughout the company. Ms. Cui received a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Beijing Institute of Technology and a master’s
degree in computer science from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Mr. Victor Zhixiang Liang joined Baidu in June 2005, and became senior vice president and general counsel in June 2011. Mr. Liang leads our
legal and government relations functions. Mr. Liang also served as an executive assistant to the CEO from January 2013 to February 2018. Prior to
joining Baidu, he worked at the legislative affairs office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, as a
visiting attorney at their New York Office. Mr. Liang received an LL.M. degree from Yale Law School and law degrees from the University of New
South Wales and Peking University.
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B.
Compensation
In 2020, we paid an aggregate of RMB16 million (US$2 million) in cash compensation and granted options to purchase an aggregate of 277,680
Class A ordinary shares and 2,529,920 restricted Class A ordinary shares to our executive officers that are in office as of the date of this annual report as
a group. During the same period, we also paid an aggregate of RMB666,550 (US$102,000) in cash compensation and granted options to purchase an
aggregate of 153,680 restricted Class A ordinary shares to our non-executive directors as a group. Our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated
entities are required by law to make contributions equal to certain percentages of each employee’s salary for his or her pension insurance, medical
insurance, housing fund, unemployment insurance and other statutory benefits. Other than the above-mentioned statutory contributions mandated by
applicable PRC law, we have not set aside or accrued any amount to provide pension, retirement or other similar benefits to our executive officers and
directors. No executive officer is entitled to any severance benefits upon termination of his or her employment with our company except as required
under applicable PRC law.
Our board of directors and shareholders approved the issuance of up to 403,200,000 ordinary shares upon exercise of awards granted under our
2000 option plan. Our 2000 option plan terminated in January 2010 upon the expiration of its ten-year term. At the annual general meeting held on
December 16, 2008, our shareholders approved a 2008 share incentive plan, which has reserved an additional 274,302,160 Class A ordinary shares for
awards to be granted pursuant to its terms. Our 2008 share incentive plan terminated in December 2018 upon the expiration of its ten-year term. On
July 20, 2018, our board of directors approved a 2018 share incentive plan, which has reserved an additional 275,516,000 Class A ordinary shares
(taking into account the Share Subdivision) for awards to be granted pursuant to its terms. As of December 31, 2020, options to purchase an aggregate of
50,634,400 Class A ordinary shares and an aggregate of 246,747,920 restricted Class A ordinary shares had been granted under the 2008 and 2018 share
incentive plans.
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The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2020, the outstanding options and restricted Class A ordinary shares that we had granted to
our current directors and executive officers and to other individuals as a group. For purpose of this table, each ADS representing eight Class A ordinary
share, which represents the ADS-to-ordinary-share ratio after the Share Subdivision.
Name
Robin Yanhong Li
Herman Yu
Dou Shen
Haifeng Wang
Shanshan Cui
Victor Zhixiang Liang
Jixun Foo
James Ding
Brent Callinicos
Yuanqing Yang
Other individuals as a group
Ordinary Shares
Underlying
Outstanding Options
342,320
847,840
193,200
958,160
3,512,320
211,040
724,800
469,120
110,400(1)
397,280(1)
786,240(1)
212,560(1)
1,317,760(1)
*
*
*
*
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*
*
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
137,893,360
147
Exercise Price
(US$/Share)
17.729
13.538
21.566
26.834
25.863
19.778
21.888
23.251
—
—
—
—
—
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
—
—
—
—
—
12.486
—
—
—
—
23.483
—
—
—
—
—
12.486
—
—
—
—
—
26.834
23.251
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Grant Date
February 16, 2012
January 31, 2013
February 24, 2014
February 11, 2015
April 16, 2015
February 25, 2016
October 27, 2016
February 22, 2017
February 22, 2017
February 9, 2018
February 18, 2019
May 23, 2019
February 5, 2020
February 9, 2018
February 18, 2019
May 23, 2019
February 5, 2020
February 22, 2017
July 26, 2017
February 9, 2018
February 18, 2019
May 23, 2019
August 8, 2019
August 8, 2019
October 28, 2019
February 5, 2020
February 22, 2017
April 27, 2017
April 27, 2017
February 9, 2018
July 21, 2018
February 18, 2019
May 23, 2019
August 8, 2019
February 5, 2020
February 9, 2018
February 18, 2019
May 23, 2019
February 5, 2020
February 11, 2015
February 22, 2017
February 22, 2017
February 9, 2018
February 18, 2019
May 23, 2019
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
—
Expiration Date
February 16, 2022
January 31, 2023
February 24, 2024
February 11, 2025
April 16, 2025
February 25, 2026
October 27, 2026
February 22, 2027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
February 9, 2028
February 1, 2029
May 23, 2029
February 5, 2030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
August 8, 2029
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
April 27, 2027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
August 8, 2029
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
February 11, 2025
February 22, 2027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
—
Table of Contents
*
(1)
The options and restricted shares in aggregate held by each of these directors and officers represent less than 1% of our total outstanding shares. The options held by these directors and
officers represent less than 1% of our outstanding shares.
Restricted shares.
The following paragraphs summarize the key terms of our 2008 share incentive plan adopted on December 16, 2008 and our 2018 share incentive
plan adopted on July 20, 2018:
2008 Share Incentive Plan
The following paragraphs summarize the key terms of our 2008 share incentive plan.
Types of Awards. We may grant the following types of awards under our 2008 share incentive plan:
•
•
•
•
options (incentive share options, or ISO);
restricted shares;
restricted share units; and
any other form of awards granted to a participant pursuant to the 2008 plan.
Plan Administration. The compensation committee of our board of directors administers our 2008 share incentive plan, but may delegate to a
committee of one or more members of our board of directors the authority to grant or amend awards to participants other than independent directors and
executive officers. The compensation committee will determine the provisions and terms and conditions of each award grant, including, but not limited
to, the exercise price, the grant price or purchase price, any restrictions or limitations on the award, any schedule for lapse of forfeiture restrictions or
restrictions on the exercisability of an award, and accelerations or waivers thereof, any provisions related to non-competition and recapture of gain on an
award, based in each case on such considerations as the committee in its sole discretion determines. The compensation committee has the sole power
and discretion to cancel, forfeit or surrender an outstanding award (whether or not in exchange for another award or combination or awards).
Award Agreement. Awards granted under our 2008 share incentive plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms, conditions
and limitations for each award which may include the term of an award, the provisions applicable in the event the participant’s employment or service
ends, and our authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind an award.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to employees, directors and consultants of our company or any of our related entities, which include our
subsidiaries or any entities in which we hold a substantial ownership interest. However, we may grant ISOs only to our employees and employees of our
majority-owned subsidiaries.
Acceleration of Awards upon Corporate Transactions. The outstanding awards will accelerate (i) upon occurrence of a change-of-control
corporate transaction where any person acquires at least 50% of the total combined voting power of our outstanding securities or the incumbent board
members no longer constitute at least 50% of our board, or (ii) upon occurrence of any other change-of-control corporate transaction in which the
successor entity does not assume our outstanding awards under our 2008 share incentive plan, provided that the plan participant remains an employee,
consultant or member of our board of directors on the effective date of the corporate transaction. In such event, each outstanding award will become
fully exercisable and all forfeiture restrictions on such award will lapse immediately prior to the specified effective date of the corporate transaction.
If the successor entity assumes our outstanding awards and later terminates the grantee’s employment or service without cause within 12 months
of the corporate transaction, or if the grantee resigns voluntarily with good reason, the outstanding awards automatically will become fully vested and
exercisable. The compensation
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committee may also, in its sole discretion, upon or in anticipation of a corporate transaction, accelerate awards, purchase the awards from the plan
participants, replace the awards, or provide for the payment of the awards in cash.
Exercise Price and Term of Awards. The exercise price per share subject to an option may be amended or adjusted in the absolute discretion of the
compensation committee, the determination of which shall be final, binding and conclusive. To the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or exchange
rules, a downward adjustment of the exercise prices of options mentioned in the preceding sentence shall be effective without the approval of our
shareholders or the approval of the affected grantees. If we grant an ISO to an employee, who, at the time of that grant, owns shares representing more
than 10% of the voting power of all classes of our share capital, the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of our ordinary
shares on the date of that grant. The compensation committee will determine the time or times at which an option may be exercised in whole or in part,
including exercise prior to vesting. The term may not exceed ten years from the date of the grant, except that five years is the maximum term of an ISO
granted to an employee who holds more than 10% of the voting power of our share capital.
Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units. The compensation committee is also authorized to make awards of restricted shares and restricted
share units. Except as otherwise determined by the compensation committee at the time of the grant of an award or thereafter, upon termination of
employment or service during the applicable restriction period, restricted shares that are at the time subject to restrictions shall be forfeited or
repurchased in accordance with the respective award agreements.
Vesting Schedule. The compensation committee determines, and the award agreement specifies, the vesting schedule of options and other awards
granted. The compensation committee determines the time or times at which an option may be exercised in whole or in part, including exercise prior to
vesting, and also determines any conditions that must be satisfied before all or part of an option may be exercised. At the time of grant for restricted
share units, the compensation committee specifies the date on which the restricted share units become fully vested and non-forfeitable, and may specify
such conditions to vesting as it deems appropriate.
Amendment and Termination. With the approval of our board of directors, the compensation committee may at any time amend, suspend or
terminate our 2008 share incentive plan. Amendments to our 2008 share incentive plan are subject to shareholder approval, to the extent required by law,
or by stock exchange rules or regulations. Any amendment, suspension or termination of our 2008 share incentive plan must not adversely affect in any
material way awards already granted without written consent of the recipient of such awards. Unless terminated earlier, our 2008 share incentive plan
shall continue in effect for a term of ten years from the date of adoption.
2018 Share Incentive Plan
The following paragraphs summarize the key terms of our 2018 share incentive plan.
Types of Awards. We may grant the following types of awards under our 2018 share incentive plan:
•
•
•
•
options (incentive share options, or ISO);
restricted shares;
restricted share units; and
any other form of awards granted to a participant pursuant to the 2018 plan.
Plan Administration. The compensation committee of our board of directors administers our 2018 share incentive plan, but may delegate to a
committee of one or more members of our board of directors the authority to grant or amend awards to participants other than independent directors and
executive officers. The compensation committee will determine the provisions and terms and conditions of each award grant, including,
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but not limited to, the exercise price, the grant price or purchase price, any restrictions or limitations on the award, any schedule for lapse of forfeiture
restrictions or restrictions on the exercisability of an award, and accelerations or waivers thereof, any provisions related to non-competition and
recapture of gain on an award, based in each case on such considerations as the committee in its sole discretion determines. The compensation
committee has the sole power and discretion to cancel, forfeit or surrender an outstanding award (whether or not in exchange for another award or
combination or awards).
Award Agreement. Awards granted under our 2018 share incentive plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms, conditions
and limitations for each award which may include the term of an award, the provisions applicable in the event the participant’s employment or service
ends, and our authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind an award.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to employees, directors and consultants of our company or any of our related entities, which include our
subsidiaries or any entities in which we hold a substantial ownership interest. However, we may grant ISOs only to our employees and employees of our
majority-owned subsidiaries.
Acceleration of Awards upon Corporate Transactions. The outstanding awards will accelerate (i) upon occurrence of a change-of-control
corporate transaction where any person acquires at least 50% of the total combined voting power of our outstanding securities or the incumbent board
members no longer constitute at least 50% of our board, or (ii) upon occurrence of any other change-of-control corporate transaction in which the
successor entity does not assume our outstanding awards under our 2018 share incentive plan, provided that the plan participant remains an employee,
consultant or member of our board of directors on the effective date of the corporate transaction. In such event, each outstanding award will become
fully exercisable and all forfeiture restrictions on such award will lapse immediately prior to the specified effective date of the corporate transaction.
If the successor entity assumes our outstanding awards and later terminates the grantee’s employment or service without cause within 12 months
of the corporate transaction, or if the grantee resigns voluntarily with good reason, the outstanding awards automatically will become fully vested and
exercisable. The compensation committee may also, in its sole discretion, upon or in anticipation of a corporate transaction, accelerate awards, purchase
the awards from the plan participants, replace the awards, or provide for the payment of the awards in cash.
Exercise Price and Term of Awards. The exercise price per share subject to an option may be amended or adjusted in the absolute discretion of the
compensation committee, the determination of which shall be final, binding and conclusive. To the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or exchange
rules, a downward adjustment of the exercise prices of options mentioned in the preceding sentence shall be effective without the approval of our
shareholders or the approval of the affected grantees. If we grant an ISO to an employee, who, at the time of that grant, owns shares representing more
than 10% of the voting power of all classes of our share capital, the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of our ordinary
shares on the date of that grant. The compensation committee will determine the time or times at which an option may be exercised in whole or in part,
including exercise prior to vesting. The term may not exceed ten years from the date of the grant, except that five years is the maximum term of an ISO
granted to an employee who holds more than 10% of the voting power of our share capital.
Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units. The compensation committee is also authorized to make awards of restricted shares and restricted
share units. Except as otherwise determined by the compensation committee at the time of the grant of an award or thereafter, upon termination of
employment or service during the applicable restriction period, restricted shares that are at the time subject to restrictions shall be forfeited or
repurchased in accordance with the respective award agreements.
Vesting Schedule. The compensation committee determines, and the award agreement specifies, the vesting schedule of options and other awards
granted. The compensation committee determines the time or times at
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which an option may be exercised in whole or in part, including exercise prior to vesting, and also determines any conditions that must be satisfied
before all or part of an option may be exercised. At the time of grant for restricted share units, the compensation committee specifies the date on which
the restricted share units become fully vested and non-forfeitable, and may specify such conditions to vesting as it deems appropriate.
Amendment and Termination. With the approval of our board of directors, the compensation committee may at any time amend, suspend or
terminate our 2018 share incentive plan. To the extent our company decides to not to follow home country practice, Amendments to our 2018 share
incentive plan are subject to shareholder approval, to the extent required by law, or by stock exchange rules or regulations. Any amendment, suspension
or termination of our 2018 share incentive plan must not adversely affect in any material way awards already granted without written consent of the
recipient of such awards. Unless terminated earlier, our 2018 share incentive plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten years from the date of
adoption.
C.
Board Practices
Board of Directors
Our board of directors has five directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in the company by way of qualification. A director may vote
with respect to any contract, proposed contract or arrangement in which he is materially interested. A director may exercise all the powers of the
company to borrow money, mortgage its undertakings, property and uncalled capital, and issue debentures or other securities whenever money is
borrowed or as security for any obligation of the company or of any third party. The remuneration to be paid to the directors is determined by the board
of directors. There is no age limit requirement for directors.
Committees of the Board of Directors
We have three committees under the board of directors: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a corporate governance and
nominating committee. We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee consists of Brent Callinicos, James Ding and Yuanqing Yang, all of whom satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule
5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Callinicos is an
audit committee financial expert as defined in the instructions to Item 16A of the Form 20-F. The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial
reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
appointing, retaining and overseeing the work of the independent auditors, including resolving disagreements between the management
and the independent auditors relating to financial reporting;
pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors;
reviewing annually the independence and quality control procedures of the independent auditors;
reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions;
discussing the annual audited financial statements with the management;
meeting separately with the independent auditors to discuss critical accounting policies, management letters, recommendations on internal
controls, the auditor’s engagement letter and independence letter and other material written communications between the independent
auditors and the management; and
attending to such other matters that are specifically delegated to our audit committee by our board of directors from time to time.
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In 2020, our audit committee held meetings or passed resolutions by unanimous written consent six times.
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee consists of James Ding, Yuanqing Yang and Jixun Foo, all of whom satisfy the “independence” requirements of
Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules. The compensation committee assists the board in reviewing and approving our compensation
structure, including all forms of compensation relating to our directors and executive officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any
committee meeting while his compensation is deliberated. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:
•
•
•
•
reviewing and approving, or recommending to the board for its approval, the compensation for our chief executive officer and other
executive officers;
reviewing and recommending to the board for determination with respect to the compensation of our non-employee directors;
reviewing periodically and approving any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements; and
selecting compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser only after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that person’s
independence from management.
In 2020, our compensation committee held meetings or passed resolutions by unanimous written consent five times.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
Our corporate governance and nominating committee consists of Yuanqing Yang and James Ding, both of whom satisfy the “independence”
requirements of Rule 5605(a) (2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules. The corporate governance and nominating committee assists the board of directors
in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The corporate governance
and nominating committee is responsible for, among other things:
•
•
•
•
recommending to the board nominees for election or re-election to the board or for appointments to fill any vacancies;
reviewing annually the performance of each incumbent director in determining whether to recommend such director for an additional term;
overseeing the board in the board’s annual review of its own performance and the performance of the management; and
considering, preparing and recommending to the board such policies and procedures with respect to corporate governance matters as may
be required or required to be disclosed under the applicable laws or otherwise considered to be material.
In 2020, our corporate governance and nominating committee passed resolutions by unanimous written consent once.
Terms of Directors and Executive Officers
All directors hold office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. None of our directors is subject to a fixed term of office. In
addition, the service agreements between us and the directors do not provide benefits upon termination of their services. Director nomination is subject
to the approval of our corporate governance and nominating committee. Our shareholders may remove any director by ordinary resolution and
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may in like manner appoint another person in his stead. A valid ordinary resolution requires a majority of the votes cast at a shareholder meeting that is
duly constituted and meets the quorum requirement. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors.
D.
Employees
We had approximately 40,000, 38,000 and 41,000 full time employees as of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31,
2020, we had approximately 24,000 employees in research and development, 10,000 employees in sales and marketing, 4,000 employees in operation
and service, and 3,000 employees in management and administration. As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 26,000 employees in Beijing,
14,000 employees outside of Beijing but within China, and approximately 300 employees outside of China. We also hire temporary employees and
contractors from time to time. Our employees are not covered by any collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relations with our employees to
be generally good. However, as our operations and employee base further expand, we cannot assure you that we will always be able to maintain good
relations with all of our employees. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We may not be able
to manage our expanding operations effectively.”
E.
Share Ownership
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of March 3, 2021 by:
•
•
each of our directors and executive officers; and
each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our total outstanding shares.
The calculations in the table below are based on 2,685,023,744 ordinary shares, consisting of 2,125,123,424 Class A ordinary shares and
559,900,320 Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of March 3, 2021. For purpose of this table, each ADS representing eight Class A
ordinary share, which represents the ADS-to-ordinary-share ratio after the Share Subdivision.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially
owned by a person and the percentage ownership and voting power percentage of that person, we have included shares and associated votes that the
person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including through the exercise of any option, warrant or other right or the conversion of any other
security. These shares and associated votes, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person.
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See “—B. Compensation” for more details on options and restricted shares granted to our directors and executive officers.
Directors and Executive Officers:
Robin Yanhong Li(1)
Herman Yu
Dou Shen
Haifeng Wang
Shanshan Cui
Victor Zhixiang Liang
James Ding
Brent Callinicos
Yuanqing Yang
Jixun Foo
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
Principal Shareholders:
Handsome Reward Limited(2)
Class A
Ordinary
Shares
Class B
Ordinary
Shares
Total
Ordinary
Shares
% of Total
Ordinary
Shares
% of
Aggregate
Voting
Power†
18,291,280
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
20,209,280
439,200,000
457,491,280
— *
— *
— *
— *
— *
— *
— *
— *
— *
439,200,000
459,409,280
17.0
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
17.1
57.0
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
57.1
12,689,200
439,200,000
451,889,200
16.8
57.0
Notes:
†
*
**
(1)
For each person and group included in this column, percentage of voting power is calculated by dividing the voting power beneficially owned by
such person or group by the voting power of all of our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares as a single class. Each holder of
Class A ordinary shares is entitled to one vote per share and each holder of our Class B ordinary shares is entitled to 10 votes per share on all
matters submitted to them for a vote. Our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares vote together as a single class on all matters
submitted to a vote of our shareholders and other matters as may otherwise be required by law. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible at any
time by the holder thereof into one Class A ordinary share.
Less than 1% of our total outstanding ordinary shares.
Except for James Ding, Yuanqing Yang, Brent Callinicos and Jixun Foo, the business address of our directors and executive officers is c/o Baidu,
Inc., Baidu Campus, Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, PRC.
Includes (i) 3,013,200 Class A Ordinary Shares directly held by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li on record, (ii) 2,232,000 Class A ordinary shares in the
form of ADSs held by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li in the brokerage account of the administrator of our employee stock option program, (iii) 342,320
Class A ordinary shares issuable to Mr. Robin Yanhong Li upon exercise of options within 60 days after March 3, 2021, (iv) 14,560 Class A
ordinary shares issuable to Mr. Robin Yanhong Li upon vesting of restricted shares within 60 days after March 3, 2021, (v) 439,200,000 Class B
ordinary shares held on record by Handsome Reward Limited, a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, (vi)
5,772,720 Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs held by Handsome Reward Limited in the brokerage account of the administrator of our
employee stock option program, (vii) 6,916,480 Class A ordinary shares issuable to Handsome Reward Limited upon exercise of options within 60
days after the date of March 3, 2021, and (viii) excludes 116,600,000 Class B ordinary shares owned by Ms. Melissa Ma, Mr. Robin Yanhong Li’s
wife, who also had owned an aggregate of 50,000 ADSs, an additional 25,645 ADSs in the brokerage account of the administrator of our
employee stock option program and the right to acquire 575 ADSs upon the vesting of restricted share units granted under our share incentive plan
within 60 days after March 3, 2021 of which Mr. Robin Yanhong Li disclaims beneficial ownership. The voting power of the shares beneficially
owned by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li represented 57.0% of the total outstanding voting power of our company as of March 3, 2021.
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(2)
Includes (i) 439,200,000 Class B ordinary shares held by Handsome Reward Limited, a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned and
controlled by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, (ii) 5,772,720 Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs held by Handsome Reward Limited in the
brokerage account of the administrator of our employee stock option program, and (iii) 6,916,480 Class A Ordinary Shares issuable to Handsome
Reward Limited upon exercise of options within 60 days after the date of March 3, 2021.
As of March 3, 2021, to our knowledge, approximately 78.4% of our total outstanding ordinary shares were held by three record shareholders in
the United States, including approximately 78.3% held by The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of our ADS program. The number of
beneficial owners of ADSs in the United States is likely to be much larger than the number of record holders of our ordinary shares in the United States.
Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one
vote per share, while holders of Class B ordinary shares are entitled to ten votes per share. We issued Class A ordinary shares represented by our ADSs
in our initial public offering in 2005. Holders of our Class B ordinary shares may choose to convert their Class B ordinary shares into the same number
of Class A ordinary shares at any time. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our
company. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our ADSs—Our dual-class ordinary share structure with different voting
rights could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as
beneficial.”
Item 7.
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A. Major Shareholders
Please refer to “Item 6.E. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Share Ownership.”
B.
Related Party Transactions
See “Item 4.C. Information on the Company—Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with Our Consolidated Affiliated Entities and
the Nominee Shareholders.”
Our subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities, and the subsidiaries of the consolidated affiliated entities have engaged, during the ordinary
course of business, in a number of customary transactions with each other. All of these inter-company balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Amounts due from related parties
As of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, we had RMB5.1 billion, RMB5.2 billion and RMB4.2 billion (US$638 million), respectively, due from
related parties. The decrease of the balance from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020 was primarily due to the repayment of loans from certain
related parties including Du Xiaoman and the acquisition of Investee A.
Amounts due to related parties
As of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, we had RMB6.1 billion, RMB6.1 billion and RMB4.9 billion (US$746 million), respectively, due to
related parties. The decrease of the balance from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020 was primarily due to payment of unsettled payments to Du
Xiaoman and the acquisition of Investee A.
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Transactions with related parties
Trip.com
In 2018, 2019 and 2020, related party transactions with Trip.com mainly comprised the online marketing services that we provided to Trip.com,
which were in the total amount of RMB774 million, RMB627 million and RMB204 million (US$31 million), respectively.
Du Xiaoman
In August 2018, we completed the divestiture of Du Xiaoman, following which we recognized our non-controlling equity interest in Du Xiaoman
as an equity method investment and Du Xiaoman became a related party.
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, related party transactions with Du Xiaoman comprised the online marketing services,
cloud service and other services that we provided to Du Xiaoman, which were in the total amount of RMB256 million, RMB731 million and
RMB678 million (US$104 million), respectively.
In 2018, we provided multiple short-term loans to Du Xiaoman in the amount of RMB12.0 billion with interest rates ranging from 5.00% to
7.00%. As of December 31, 2018, all short-term loans extended to Du Xiaoman had been repaid in full.
In 2018, we provided three term loans to Du Xiaoman in the amount of RMB3.8 billion with terms ranging from two to five years, which are
intended for working capital purposes. These loans bear interest rates ranging from 4.28% to 5.00% in 2018, and 0% to 5.00% since 2019. Du Xiaoman
repaid one term loan in the principal amount of RMB500 million in October 2020. The principal amount outstanding as of February 28, 2021 was
RMB3.3 billion (US$513 million).
In 2018, Du Xiaoman provided us with two term loans in the amount of RMB3.4 billion with terms of three and five years, which are intended for
general corporate purposes. These loans bear interest rates ranging from 3.78% to 4.28% in 2018, and were revised to 0% since 2019, based on the
re-entered agreements. The amount outstanding as of February 28, 2021 was RMB3.2 billion (US$487 million).
Other related parties
In 2018, 2019 and 2020, related party transactions with an investee over which we have significant influence, mainly related to hardware products
purchased from and sold to the investee, which amounted to RMB1.9 billion and RMB249 million, respectively, in 2019, and RMB102 million and
RMB77 million, respectively, in 2018. Our company acquired such investee in July 2020, and accordingly, all corresponding outstanding balances have
been eliminated in the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2020. The transaction amounts with the investee in 2020 were insignificant.
In 2018, 2019 and 2020, with the approval from our board of directors, we reimbursed Mr. Robin Yanhong Li the fees and expenses incurred in
connection with his use of an aircraft beneficially owned by his family member for our business purposes. The hourly rate for use of the aircraft was
determined based on an analysis of market rates for the charter of comparable aircrafts. The service charges for the use of the aircraft for 2018, 2019 and
2020 were insignificant.
Share Options and Restricted Shares Grants
Please refer to “Item 6.B. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation.”
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C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
Item 8.
Financial Information
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
We have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we have been involved in litigation, administrative proceedings or other disputes regarding, among other things, copyright and
trademark infringement, defamation, unfair competition, labor disputes, and anti-monopoly inquiries. Our search results provide links to materials, and
our P4P, Baidu Wenku, Baidu Post, Baidu Wiki, Baidu Knows, Baidu Feed, Baidu Drive, iQIYI and certain other products or services may contain
materials, in which others may allege to own copyrights, trademarks or image rights or which others may claim to be defamatory or objectionable.
In 2020, 3,288 complaints were filed against us before various courts in China, and the aggregate amount of the damages sought in these
complaints totals approximately RMB628 million (US$96 million). As of December 31, 2020, 2,127 cases against us were pending before various
courts in China. The aggregate amount of damages sought under these pending cases is approximately RMB854 million (US$131 million). As of
December 31, 2020, 7 cases against us were pending before various courts outside China. Some of these proceedings are in a preliminary stage with
undetermined damages sought.
In November 2018, an individual, together with his related company, filed a complaint alleging acts of defamation and libel, commercial
disparagement, tortious inference with prospective business relations, intentional infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy against, among
others, us and Robin Yanhong Li in his capacity as our chairman and chief executive officer, in the Supreme Court of New York. The complaint alleged,
among other things, that the defendants published articles containing false and defamatory statements concerning the plaintiffs, and sought damages in
an aggregate amount of US$11 billion, including purported punitive damages of US$10 billion. The defendants moved the complaint to the U.S. District
Court for the Eastern District of New York and filed motions to dismiss the complaint. The plaintiff voluntarily dismissed that complaint, and then
added us and Mr. Li as defendants to the Second State Court Lawsuit. We filed motions to dismiss that complaint, which were not opposed. The Plaintiff
filed a notice of voluntary discontinuance of the complaint in the Second State Court Lawsuit, and subsequently filed a nearly identical complaint in the
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. In January 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York dismissed that
complaint in its entirety with prejudice, and the time for plaintiff to appeal that dismissal has expired. In February 2020, the Supreme Court of New York
granted defendants’ motions to discontinue the Second State Court Lawsuit with prejudice. No appeal of that order has been filed as of the date of this
disclosure. We believe these claims to be without merit and intend to continue to defend ourselves vigorously.
For many of the above-mentioned legal proceedings, we are currently unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably
possible loss as the proceedings are in the early stages, or there is a lack of clear or consistent interpretation of laws specific to the industry-specific
complaints among different jurisdictions. As a result, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such proceedings,
which includes eventual loss, fine, penalty or business impact, if any, and therefore, an estimate for the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably
possible loss cannot be made. With respect to the limited number of proceedings for which we are able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or the
range of reasonably possible loss, such estimates are immaterial. However, we believe that such proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, when
finally resolved, are not reasonably likely to have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
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In April 2020, a short seller report was published by Wolfpack Research (the Wolfpack Report). In sum and substance, the Wolfpack Report
alleges that iQIYI inflated its user numbers, inflated its revenue and deferred revenue in connection with certain parts of iQIYI’s business, inflated its
expenses and the purchase prices of certain assets to conceal revenue inflation, and provided misleading financial statements of cash flows by adopting
an incorrect accounting method. Following the publication of the Wolfpack Report, the SEC requested iQIYI to produce certain financial, operating, and
other documents and records primarily relate to the allegations in the Wolfpack Report. In particular, the SEC requested that iQIYI voluntarily provide it
with documents and information relating to, among other things, iQIYI’s organizational charts, accounting policies, and financial books and records
from 2018 to the present, as well as documents relating to iQIYI’s acquisition or investments in certain entities mentioned in the Wolfpack Report and
the valuation of those entities at the time of those transactions. iQIYI engaged professional advisers to conduct an internal review into certain of the key
allegations in the Wolfpack Report and to report their findings to iQIYI’s audit committee. iQIYI’s internal review within the agreed scope has been
substantially completed and did not uncover any evidence that would substantiate the allegations. The SEC has also sought the production of certain
documents and records from iQIYI related to such internal review and other related information. iQIYI is cooperating with the SEC. We are unable to
predict the timing, outcome, or consequences of the SEC investigation of iQIYI, or from the SEC’s review of the documents and records requested from
iQIYI. iQIYI has not received further enquiry from the SEC since October 2, 2020.
Furthermore, starting in April 2020, iQIYI and certain of its current and former officers and directors were named as defendants in four federal
putative securities class actions alleging that they made material misstatements and omissions in documents filed with the SEC regarding certain of the
key allegations contained in the Wolfpack Report. These four actions are captioned, respectively, as (i) Lee v. iQIYI et al., No. 1:20-cv-01830-LDH-SJB
(U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Amended Complaint filed Jan. 19, 2021) (the “Lee Action”); (ii) Le Rivage LLC v. iQIYI, Inc.
et al., No. 1:20-cv-03068 (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, filed June 15, 2020) (the “Le Rivage Action”); (iii) Jenkins v. iQIYI
et al., No. 1:20-cv-03068 (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, filed April 27, 2020) (the “Jenkins Action”); and (iv) Shiferaw v.
iQIYI, Inc. et al, No. 1:2020-cv-03115 (U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, filed April 17, 2020) (the “Shiferaw Action”). All four
of these cases allege claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and the Lee Action also
alleges claims under Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act. On June 15, 2020, plaintiffs in the Shiferaw Action (filed in the Southern District of New
York) voluntarily dismissed their complaint. On July 9, 2020, the Jenkins Action (filed in the Northern District of California) was transferred to the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of New York. On January 19, 2021, plaintiffs in the Lee Action (pending in the Eastern District of New York) filed
their consolidated amended complaint, adding our company and others as new defendants. Save for the Shiferaw Action which is dismissed, all actions
remain in a preliminary stage.
Starting in August 2020, we and certain of our current officers were named as defendants in two federal putative securities class actions alleging
that defendants made material misstatements and omissions in documents filed with the SEC regarding certain of the key allegations contained in the
Wolfpack Report. Both cases allege claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and remain in
their preliminary stages.
Unrelated to the Wolfpack Report, in April 2020, we and certain of our current officers were also named as defendants in a federal putative
securities class action alleging that defendants made material misstatements and omissions in documents filed with the SEC relating to contents on our
platform. The case alleges claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and remains in its
preliminary stage.
We and iQIYI will have to defend against these putative securities class action lawsuits, as applicable, including any appeals of such lawsuits
should our or iQIYI’s initial defense be unsuccessful. Because all of the ongoing securities class actions against iQIYI or Baidu are in their preliminary
stages, we cannot predict the timing, outcome or consequences of these class actions. In the event that our or iQIYI’s initial defense of these
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lawsuits is unsuccessful, we cannot assure you that we or iQIYI will prevail in any appeal. Any adverse outcome of these cases, including any plaintiff’s
appeal of a judgment in these lawsuits, could have a material adverse effect on our or iQIYI’s business, financial condition, results of operation, cash
flows, and reputation. Similarly, we are currently unable to predict the timing, outcome, or consequences of the SEC investigation of iQIYI, or from the
SEC’s review of the documents and records requested from iQIYI. The litigation or SEC investigation process may utilize a significant portion of our or
iQIYI’s resources and divert management’s attention from the day-to-day operations, all of which could harm our business.
Dividend Policy
Baidu, Inc., our holding company in the Cayman Islands, has never declared or paid any dividends on our ordinary shares, nor do we have any
present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available
funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.
Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to Cayman Islands law. Even if our board of directors
decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount of our dividends will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements
and surplus, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. If we pay any dividends, our
depositary will distribute such dividends to our ADS holders to the same extent as holders of our ordinary shares, subject to the terms of the deposit
agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.
B.
Significant Changes
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated
financial statements included in this annual report.
Item 9.
The Offer and Listing
A. Offering and Listing Details
Our ADSs have been listed on The Nasdaq Global Market since August 5, 2005. Our ADSs currently trade on The Nasdaq Global Select Market
under the symbol “BIDU.” Prior to May 12, 2010, one ADS represented one Class A ordinary share. On May 12, 2010, we effected a change of the ADS
to Class A ordinary share ratio from 1 ADS representing 1 Class A ordinary share to 10 ADSs representing 1 Class A ordinary share. The ratio change
has the same effect as a 10-for-1 ADS split. On March 1, 2021, our shareholders approved and effected a change to our authorized share capital by
1-to-80 subdivision of shares. Concurrently, we effected a proportionate change in ADS to Class A ordinary share ratio from 10 ADSs representing 1
Class A ordinary share to each ADS representing 8 Class A ordinary shares.
B.
Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
Our ADSs have been listed on Nasdaq since August 5, 2005 under the symbol “BIDU”.
D.
Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
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E.
Dilution
Not applicable.
F.
Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
Item 10.
Additional Information
A.
Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
The following are summaries of material provisions of our third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, as well as the
Companies Act (2021 Revision) insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares.
Registered Office and Objects
The Registered Office of our company is at the offices of Maples Corporate Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman,
KY1-1104, Cayman Islands or at such other place as our board of directors may from time to time decide. The objects for which our company is
established are unrestricted and we have full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by the Companies Act (2021 Revision), as
amended from time to time, or any other law of the Cayman Islands.
Board of Directors
See “Item 6.C. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board Practices—Board of Directors.”
Ordinary Shares
General. Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and
Class B ordinary shares have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. All of our outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid and
non-assessable. Certificates representing the ordinary shares are issued in registered form. Our shareholders who are nonresidents of the Cayman Islands
may freely hold and vote their shares.
Dividends. The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors subject to the
Companies Act.
Conversion. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Class A ordinary shares
are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any transfer of Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any person
or entity which is not an affiliate of such holder (as defined in our articles of association), such Class B ordinary shares shall be automatically and
immediately converted into the equal number of Class A ordinary shares. In addition, if at any time our chairman and chief executive officer, Robin
Yanhong Li, and his affiliates collectively own less than 5% of the total number of the issued and outstanding Class B ordinary shares, each issued and
outstanding Class B ordinary share shall be automatically and immediately converted into one share of Class A ordinary share, and we shall not issue
any Class B ordinary shares thereafter.
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Voting Rights. All of our shareholders have the right to receive notice of shareholders’ meetings and to attend, speak and vote at such meetings. In
respect of matters requiring shareholders’ vote, each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to 10
votes. A shareholder may participate at a shareholders’ meeting in person, by proxy or by telephone conference or other communications equipment by
means of which all the shareholders participating in the meeting can communicate with each other. At any shareholders’ meeting, a resolution put to the
vote of the meeting shall be decided on a poll conducted by the chairman of the meeting.
A quorum for a shareholders’ meeting consists of one or more shareholders holding at least one third of the paid up voting share capital present in
person or by proxy or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative. We shall, if required by the Companies Act,
hold a general meeting of shareholders as our annual general meeting and shall specify the meeting as such in the notices calling it. Our board of
directors may call extraordinary general meetings, and they must on shareholders’ requisition convene an extraordinary general meeting. A shareholder
requisition is a requisition of shareholders holding at the date of deposit of the requisition not less than a majority of the voting power represented by the
issued shares of our company which as at that date carries the right of voting at general meetings of our company. Advance notice of at least five days is
required for the convening of our annual general meeting and other shareholders’ meetings.
An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching to the ordinary
shares cast in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes attaching to the ordinary
shares cast in a general meeting. A special resolution is required for matters such as a change of name. Holders of the ordinary shares may effect certain
changes by ordinary resolution, including consolidating and dividing all or any of our share capital into shares of larger amount than our existing share
capital and canceling any shares.
Transfer of Shares. Subject to the restrictions of our memorandum and articles of association, as applicable, any of our shareholders may transfer
any or all of his or her ordinary shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board of directors.
Our board of directors may, in their absolute discretion (except with respect to a transfer from a shareholder to its affiliate(s)), decline to register
any transfer of shares without assigning any reason thereof. If our board of directors refuses to register a transfer they shall notify the transferee within
two months of such refusal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a transfer complies with the holder’s transfer obligations and restrictions set forth under
applicable law (including but not limited to U.S. securities law provisions related to insider trading) and our articles of association, our board of
directors shall promptly register such transfer. Further, any director is authorized to confirm in writing addressed to the registered office to authorize a
share transfer and to instruct that the register of members be updated accordingly, provided that the transfer complies with the holder’s transfer
obligations and restrictions set forth under applicable law and our articles of association and such holder is not the director who authorizes the transfer or
an entity affiliated with such director. Any director is authorized to execute a share certificate in respect of such shares for and on behalf of our
company.
The registration of transfers may be suspended at such time and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine,
provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not be suspended for more than 45 days in any year.
Liquidation. On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of shares), assets available for
distribution among the holders of ordinary shares may be distributed among the holders of the ordinary shares as determined by the liquidator, subject to
sanction of a special resolution of our company. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will
be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders proportionately to the capital paid up, or which ought to have been paid up, at the
commencement of the winding up on the shares held by such shareholders respectively.
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Calls on Shares and Forfeiture of Shares. Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on
their shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 days prior to the specified time and place of payment. The shares that have been called
upon and remain unpaid on the specified time are subject to forfeiture.
Redemption of Shares. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and our articles of association, we may issue shares on terms that are
subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders, on such terms and in such manner as our board of directors may determine.
Repurchase of Shares. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and our articles of association, our board of directors may authorize
repurchase of our shares in accordance with the manner of purchase specified in our articles of association without seeking shareholder approval.
Variations of Rights of Shares. All or any of the special rights attached to any class of shares may, subject to the provisions of the Companies
Act, be varied either with the written consent of the holders of a majority of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution
passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.
Inspection of Books and Records. No holders of our ordinary shares who is not a director shall have any right of inspecting any of our accounts,
books or documents except as conferred by the Companies Act or authorized by the directors or by us in general meeting. However, we will make this
annual report, which contains our audited financial statements, available to shareholders and ADS holders. See “Item 10.H. Additional Information—
Documents on Display.”
Preferred Shares
Our board of directors has the authority, without shareholder approval, to issue up to a total of 800,000,000 preferred shares in one or more series.
Our board of directors may establish the number of shares to be included in each such series and may set the designations, preferences, powers and other
rights of the shares of a series of preferred shares. While the issuance of preferred shares provides us with flexibility in connection with possible
acquisitions or other corporate purposes, it could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control
transaction and could adversely affect the market price of our ADSs. We have no current plan to issue any preferred shares.
Proposed Amendments to Articles
We have filed an application with the Stock Exchange of Hong King Limited, or the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, in connection with a proposed
secondary listing of our Class A ordinary shares on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. In connection with our application for listing on
the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, we undertake to convene an extraordinary general meeting by December 31, 2021, or the 2021 EGM, for which at least
14 days’ notice will be given to our shareholders, and put forth resolutions to amend our articles of association, so that (i) we are required to convene an
annual general meeting each year; (ii) we are required to provide at least 14 days’ notice for any general meetings of our company; (iii) a member’s right
to vote is subject to the requirements under the Hong Kong Listing Rules regarding circumstances requiring a member to abstain from voting to approve
a matter under consideration, and any votes in contravention of such abstention shall not be counted; and (iv) the minimum stake required to convene an
extraordinary general meeting and add resolutions to a meeting agenda will be 10% of the voting rights, on a one vote per share basis, in the share
capital of our company. In addition, we will obtain an irrevocable undertaking from Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, Handsome Reward Limited and Ms. Melissa
Ma, being existing shareholders with a majority vote in our Company, that they will use their voting rights to vote at the 2021 EGM in favor of these
proposed resolutions.
C. Material Contracts
We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in “Item 4.
Information on the Company” or elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.
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D.
Exchange Controls
See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on Foreign Exchange.”
E.
Taxation
The following summary of the material Cayman Islands, People’s Republic of China and U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment
in our ADSs or ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this annual report, all of which are
subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares, such as the
tax consequences under state, local and other tax laws.
Cayman Islands Tax Considerations
According to Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands counsel, the Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or
corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other
taxes likely to be material to us levied by the Government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments
executed in, or brought within, the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to
any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
People’s Republic of China Tax Considerations
If we are considered a PRC resident enterprise under the EIT Law, our shareholders and ADS holders who are deemed non-resident enterprises
may be subject to the 10% EIT on the dividends payable by us or any gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs, if such income is deemed
derived from China, provided that (i) such foreign enterprise investor has no establishment or premises in China, or (ii) it has establishment or premises
in China but its income derived from China has no real connection with such establishment or premises. Furthermore, if we are considered a PRC
resident enterprise and relevant PRC tax authorities consider the dividends we pay with respect to our shares or ADSs and the gains realized from the
transfer of our shares or ADSs to be income derived from sources within the PRC, it is also possible that such dividends and gains earned by
non-resident individuals may be subject to the 20% PRC individual income tax. It is uncertain whether, if we are considered a PRC resident enterprise,
holders of our shares or ADSs would be able to claim the benefit of tax treaties or arrangements entered into between China and other jurisdictions.
If we are required under the PRC tax law to withhold PRC income tax on our dividends payable to our non-PRC resident shareholders and ADS
holders, or if any gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs by our non-PRC resident shareholders and ADS holders are subject to the EIT
or the individual income tax, your investment in our shares or ADSs could be materially and adversely affected.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion is a summary of U.S. federal income tax considerations under present law of the ownership and disposition of the ADSs
or ordinary shares. This summary applies only to investors that are U.S. Holders (as defined below) and that hold the ADSs or ordinary shares as capital
assets. This discussion is based on the tax laws of the United States as in effect on the date of this annual report on Form 20-F and on U.S. Treasury
regulations in effect or, in some cases, proposed, as of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F, as well as judicial and administrative interpretations
thereof available on or before such date. All of the foregoing authorities are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect
the tax considerations described below.
The following discussion does not deal with the tax consequences to any particular investor or to persons in special tax situations such as:
•
•
banks;
financial institutions;
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
insurance companies;
broker dealers;
persons that elect to mark their securities to market;
tax-exempt entities;
persons liable for the alternative minimum tax;
regulated investment companies;
certain expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States;
governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof;
persons holding an ADS or ordinary share as part of a straddle, hedging, conversion or integrated transaction;
persons that actually or constructively own ADSs or ordinary shares representing 10% or more of our voting power or value;
persons who are required to recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is taken into account
in applicable financial statements;
persons whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar; or
persons who acquired our ADSs or ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee share option or otherwise as compensation.
U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors about the application of the U.S. federal tax rules to their particular circumstances as well
as the state, local and foreign tax consequences to them of ownership and disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares.
The discussion below of the U.S. federal income tax consequences will apply if you are a “U.S. Holder.” You are a “U.S. Holder” if you are the
beneficial owner of our ADSs or ordinary shares and you are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
•
•
•
•
a citizen or individual resident of the United States;
a corporation (or other entity subject to tax as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is created or organized in or under
the laws of the United States, any State or the District of Columbia;
an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
a trust that (i) is subject to the supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more U.S. persons or (ii) has a valid
election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
This discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other pass-through entities that hold the ADSs or ordinary shares, or of
persons who hold the ADSs or ordinary shares through such entities. If a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income
tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of the ADSs or ordinary shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally
depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.
The discussion below assumes that the representations contained in the deposit agreement are true and that the obligations in the deposit
agreement and any related agreement will be complied with in accordance with their terms. If you hold our ADSs, you will be treated as the holder of
the underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal non-income tax laws, such as gift or estate tax laws, or state, local or foreign tax laws
or the Medicare tax on certain net investment income. We have not sought, and will not seek, a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), or
an opinion as to any U.S. federal income tax consequence described herein. The IRS may disagree with the discussion herein, and its determination may
be upheld by a court.
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Taxation of Dividends and Other Distributions on the ADSs or Ordinary Shares
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, the gross amount of all our distributions to you with respect to the
ADSs or ordinary shares will be included in your gross income as dividend income on the date of receipt by the depositary, in the case of our ADSs, or
by you, in the case of ordinary shares, but only to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits
(computed under U.S. federal income tax principles). Because we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of U.S. federal income
tax principles, any distribution paid will generally be treated as a “dividend” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividends paid by us will not be
eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from U.S. corporations.
With respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individual U.S. Holders), dividends may be taxed at the lower applicable capital gains rate
provided that (i) the ADSs or ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or we are eligible for the
benefit of the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC, or the Treaty, (ii) we are not a passive foreign investment company (as
discussed below) for either our taxable year in which the dividend was paid or for the preceding taxable year, (iii) certain holding period requirements
are met and (iv) such non-corporate U.S. Holders are not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar
or related property. For this purpose, ADSs listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market will generally be considered to be readily tradable on an
established securities market in the United States. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the availability of the lower rate for dividends paid with
respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares.
For U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, dividends paid on the ADSs or ordinary shares will generally be treated as income from foreign sources and
will generally constitute passive category income. If PRC withholding taxes apply to dividends paid to you with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares,
you may be able to obtain a reduced rate of PRC withholding taxes under the Treaty. In addition, subject to certain conditions and limitations, PRC
withholding taxes on dividends that are non-refundable under the Treaty may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against your U.S. federal
income tax liability. If you do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit, you may instead claim a deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes in respect
of such withholding, but only for a year in which you elect to do so for all creditable foreign income taxes. You should consult your tax advisor
regarding the creditability of any PRC tax.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of the ADSs or Ordinary Shares
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, you will recognize gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other taxable
disposition of an ADS or ordinary share equal to the difference between the amount realized for the ADS or ordinary share and your tax basis in the
ADS or ordinary share. The gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss. If you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual U.S.
Holder, who has held the ADS or ordinary share for more than one year, you will generally be eligible for reduced tax rates. The deductibility of capital
losses is subject to limitations. Any such gain or loss that you recognize will generally be treated as U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit
limitation purposes, which will generally limit the availability of foreign tax credits. However, in the event we are deemed to be a PRC “resident
enterprise” under PRC tax law, we may be eligible for the benefits of the Treaty. In such event, if PRC tax were to be imposed on any gain from the
disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares, a U.S. Holder that is eligible for the benefits of the Treaty may elect to treat such gain as PRC source
income. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the creditability of any PRC tax.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
A non-U.S. corporation, such as our own, is considered a PFIC for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive income,
or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during a taxable year) is attributable to assets that
produce or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). We will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the assets and
earning our proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% (by value) of the shares.
Although the law in this regard is not entirely clear, we treat our variable interest entities as being owned by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes
because we control their
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management decisions and we are entitled to receive economic benefits that could potentially be significant to them and, as a result, we consolidate their
results of operations in our consolidated U.S. GAAP financial statements. If it were determined, however, that we are not the owner of our variable
interest entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would likely be treated as a PFIC for our taxable year ended December 31, 2021 and for
subsequent taxable years.
Based on the market price of our ADSs and ordinary shares, the value of our assets, and the composition of our assets and income, we believe that
we were not a PFIC for our taxable year ended December 31, 2020. However, given the lack of authority and the highly factual nature of the analysis, no
assurance can be given. Our PFIC status for the current taxable year ending December 31, 2021 will not be determinable until the close of the taxable
year, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year (or any future taxable year).
We must make a separate determination each year as to whether we are a PFIC. As a result, our PFIC status may change. In particular, because the
total value of our assets for purposes of the asset test will generally be calculated using the market price of the ADSs and ordinary shares, our PFIC
status will depend in large part on the market price of the ADSs and ordinary shares, which may fluctuate considerably. Accordingly, fluctuations in the
market price of the ADSs and ordinary shares may result in our being a PFIC for any year. If we are a PFIC for any year during which you hold the
ADSs or ordinary shares, we will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which you hold such ADSs or ordinary
shares. However, if we cease to be a PFIC, provided that you have not made a mark-to-market election, as described below, you may avoid some of the
adverse effects of the PFIC regime by making a deemed sale election with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares, as applicable.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs or ordinary shares, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to
any “excess distribution” that you receive and any gain you realize from a sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of the ADSs or ordinary shares,
unless you make a mark-to-market election as discussed below. Distributions you receive in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average
annual distributions you received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares will be
treated as an excess distribution. Under these special tax rules:
•
•
•
the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares,
the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we became a PFIC, will be
treated as ordinary income, and
the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for you for such year and
would be increased by an additional tax equal to interest on the resulting tax deemed deferred with respect to each such other taxable year.
The tax liability for amounts allocated to years prior to the year of disposition or “excess distribution” cannot be offset by any net operating losses
for such years, and gains (but not losses) realized on the sale of the ADSs or ordinary shares cannot be treated as capital, even if you hold the ADSs or
ordinary shares as capital assets.
Alternatively, a U.S. Holder of “marketable stock” (as defined below) in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election for such stock of a PFIC to
elect out of the tax treatment discussed in the two preceding paragraphs. The mark-to-market election is available only for “marketable stock,” which is
stock that is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter, or “regularly traded,” on a qualified exchange or
other market, as defined in applicable Treasury regulations. We expect that the ADSs will continue to be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market,
which is a qualified exchange for these purposes, and,
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consequently, assuming that the ADSs are regularly traded, if you are a holder of our ADSs, it is expected that the mark-to-market election would be
available to you were we to become a PFIC. However, a mark-to-market election may not be made with respect to our ordinary shares as they are not
marketable stock. If you make a valid mark-to-market election for the ADSs, you will include in income each year an amount equal to the excess, if any,
of the fair market value of the ADSs as of the close of your taxable year over your adjusted basis in such ADSs. You are allowed a deduction for the
excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the ADSs over their fair market value as of the close of the taxable year. Such deductions, however, are allowable
only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains on the ADSs included in your income for prior taxable years. Amounts included in your income
under a mark-to-market election, as well as gain on the actual sale or other disposition of the ADSs, are treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss
treatment also applies to the deductible portion of any mark-to-market loss on the ADSs, as well as to any loss realized on the actual sale or disposition
of the ADSs, to the extent that the amount of such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included for such ADSs. Your basis in
the ADSs will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts. If you make such a mark-to-market election, tax rules that apply to distributions
by corporations which are not PFICs would apply to distributions by us (except that the lower applicable capital gains rate would not apply).
Because, as a technical matter, a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that we may own, a U.S. Holder may continue
to be subject to the general PFIC rules described above with respect to such U.S. Holder’s indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated
as an equity interest in a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Alternatively, a U.S. Holder may avoid the PFIC tax consequences described above in respect to its ADSs and ordinary shares by making a timely
“qualified electing fund,” or QEF, election. To comply with the requirements of a QEF election, a U.S. Holder must receive certain information from us.
Because we do not intend to provide such information, however, such election will not be available to you with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares.
If you hold our ADSs or ordinary shares in any year in which we are a PFIC, you will be required to file an annual information report containing
such information as the U.S. Treasury may require.
You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the application of the PFIC rules to your investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares.
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G.
Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
We are subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and are required to file reports and other
information with the SEC. Specifically, we are required to file annually a Form 20-F within four months after the end of each fiscal year, which is
December 31. All information filed with the SEC can be obtained over the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. As a foreign private issuer, we
are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, and officers,
directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange
Act.
We will furnish The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of our ADSs, with our annual reports, which will include a review of operations
and annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity
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with U.S. GAAP, and all notices of shareholders’ meetings and other reports and communications that are made generally available to our shareholders.
The depositary will make such notices, reports and communications available to holders of ADSs and, upon our request, will mail to all record holders
of ADSs the information contained in any notice of a shareholders’ meeting received by the depositary from us.
In accordance with Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5250(d), we will post this annual report on Form 20-F on our website at http://ir.baidu.com. In
addition, we will provide hardcopies of our annual report free of charge to shareholders and ADS holders upon request.
I.
Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
Item 11.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to excess cash invested in short-term instruments with original maturities of less than a year and
bank borrowings that have a floating rate of interest.
Investments in both fixed rate and floating rate interest earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their
fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates
fall. Due in part to these factors, our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates, or we may suffer losses in
principal if we have to sell securities which have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. For example, as of December 31, 2020 we
had RMB126.4 billion (US$19.4 billion) short-term investments, with a weighted average duration of 0.5 year. A hypothetical one percentage point (100
basis-point) increase in interest rates would have resulted in a decrease of RMB552 million (US$85 million) in the fair value of our short-term
investments as of December 31, 2020. We have not been, and do not expect to be, exposed to material interest rate risks relating to our investment in
short-term instruments, and therefore have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage such interest risk exposure.
Our exposure to interest rate risk also arises from our bank borrowings that have a floating rate of interest. The costs of floating rate borrowings
may be affected by the fluctuations in the interest rates. We manage this risk by maintaining an appropriate mix between fixed and floating rate
borrowings and through the use of interest rate swap contracts. In connection with the loan facilities entered into in June 2016, we entered into four
interest rate swap agreements, which effectively convert the term loans from a variable interest rate to a fixed rate, thereby managing our exposure to
changes in market interest rates under the term loans. See “Item 5.B. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Foreign Exchange Risk
Most of our revenues and costs are denominated in RMB, while a portion of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term financial
assets, long-term investments, long-term loans payable, notes payable and convertible senior notes are denominated in U.S. dollars. Any significant
revaluation of RMB against the U.S. dollar may materially affect our cash flows, revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any
dividends payable on, our ADS in U.S. dollars. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—
Fluctuation in exchange rates could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.” In addition, we
commenced operation in Japan in late 2007. To the extent we need to make capital injections into our Japan operation by converting U.S. dollars into
Japanese Yen, we will be exposed to the fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese Yen. We have not used any
derivative financial instruments to hedge exposure to foreign exchange risk. The value of your investment in our ADSs will be affected by the exchange
rate between U.S. dollar and Renminbi because the value of our business is effectively denominated in RMB, while our ADSs will be traded in U.S.
dollars.
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The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, is based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China. The Renminbi has
fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy
may impact the exchange rate between Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future.
To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would
have an adverse effect on the RMB amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the
purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs, repay indebtedness denominated in U.S. dollars, or for other business
purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amounts available to us.
As of December 31, 2020, we had RMB-denominated cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB143.9 billion,
and U.S. dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of US$2.8 billion. Assuming we had converted
RMB143.9 billion into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of RMB6.5250 for US$1.00 as of December 31, 2020, our U.S. dollar cash balance would have
been US$24.9 billion. If the RMB had depreciated by 10% against the U.S. dollar, our U.S. dollar cash balance would have been US$22.6 billion
instead. In addition, we had U.S. dollar-denominated short-term borrowings, long-term loans payable (including current portion), notes payable and
convertible senior notes (including current portion) of US$11.2 billion as of December 31, 2020. A hypothetical 10% increase in the exchange rate of
the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have resulted in an increase of RMB7.3 billion (US$1.1 billion) in the value of our U.S. dollar-denominated
short-term borrowings, long-term loans payable (including current portion), notes payable and convertible senior notes (including current portion) as of
December 31, 2020.
Item 12.
Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
A. Debt Securities
Not applicable.
B. Warrants and Rights
Not applicable.
C. Other Securities
Not applicable.
D. American Depositary Shares
Fees and Charges Our ADS holders May Have to Pay
The Bank of New York Mellon is the depositary of our ADS program. A holder of ADSs may have to pay certain fees of The Bank of New York
Mellon, as depositary, and certain taxes, registration and transfer charges and fees and governmental charges and fees. The depositary collects fees for
delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from holders depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries
acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to holders by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a
portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions
or by directly billing holders or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to
deliver ADSs or deposited shares or to forward any distributions until its fees for those services are paid. The Depositary’s Office is located at 240
Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286.
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Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:
US$5.00 or less per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)
US$5.00 or less per 100 ADS (or portion thereof)
US$0.02 or less per ADS (or portion thereof)
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to
ADS holders had been shares and the shares had been deposited for
issuance of ADSs
US$0.02 or less per ADS (or portion thereof) per calendar year (to the extent
that a fee of $0.02 was not charged as a result of any cash distribution
during that calendar year)
Expenses of the depositary
Registration or transfer fees
For:
•
•
•
•
Issuance of ADSs,
distribution of shares or rights or other property
including
issuances resulting from a
Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if
the deposit agreement terminates
Any cash distribution to ADS holders
Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited
securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders
•
Depositary services
•
•
•
Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided
in the deposit agreement)
Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from
the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or
withdraw shares
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to
pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer
taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes
•
As necessary
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the
deposited securities
•
As necessary
Fees and Other Payments Made by the Depositary to Us
The depositary has agreed to reimburse us annually for our expenses incurred in connection with investor relationship programs and any other
program related to our ADS facility and the travel expense of our key personnel in connection with such programs. The depositary has also agreed to
provide additional payments to us based on the applicable performance indicators relating to our ADS facility. There are limits on the amount of
expenses for which the depositary will reimburse us, but the amount of reimbursement available to us is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the
depositary collects from investors. In 2021, we are expecting to receive certain insignificant amount of reimbursement from the depositary for our
expenses incurred in connection with investor relationship programs related to the ADS facility and the travel expense of our key personnel in
connection with such programs.
Item 13.
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None.
PART II
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Item 14.
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 15.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness
of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report, as
required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act.
Based upon that evaluation, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective
in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file and furnish under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed,
summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that the information required to be disclosed by us in the
reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and
chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f)
under the Exchange Act. Our management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Rule 13a-15(c) of
the Exchange Act, based on criteria established in the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over
financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of
any evaluation of effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, as stated in its report, which appears on page F-6 of this annual report on Form 20-F.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report on Form 20-F
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 16A.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Brent Callinicos, an independent director (under the standards set forth in Nasdaq Stock Market
Rule 5605(a)(2) and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act) and chairman of our audit committee, is an audit committee financial expert.
Item 16B.
Code of Ethics
In July 2005, our board of directors adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers, employees and advisors.
We have posted a copy of our code of business conduct and ethics on our website at http://ir.baidu.com.
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Item 16C.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by
Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, our principal external auditors, for the periods indicated.
Audit fees(1)
Audit-related fees(2)
2019
(RMB in thousands)
30,503
1,068
2020
(RMB in thousands)
33,526
5,546
(1)
(2)
“Audit fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal auditors for the audit of our annual statements and
assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC. In 2019 and 2020, the audit refers to financial audit and audit pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
“Audit-related fees” means fees billed in 2019 and 2020 for professional services rendered by our principal auditors associated with certain due diligence projects and services in
connection with a bond offering.
All audit and non-audit services provided by our independent auditors must be pre-approved by our audit committee. Our audit committee has
adopted a combination of two approaches in pre-approving proposed services: general pre-approval and specific pre-approval. With general approval,
the engagement to render services is entered into pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures established by the audit committee. The policies and
procedures are detailed as to the particular service (not broad categories), and the audit committee is informed of each specific service quarterly. With
specific approval, the audit committee pre-approves the specific engagement to be rendered. Unless a type of service has received general pre-approval,
it will require specific pre-approval by our audit committee. Any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels or budgeted amounts will also
require specific pre-approval by our audit committee.
Requests or applications to provide services that require specific approval by our audit committee will be submitted to the audit committee by both
our independent auditors and our chief financial officer and must include an assessment as to whether, in their view, the request or application is
consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.
Item 16D.
Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not applicable.
Item 16E.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
On May 16, 2019, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to US$1.0 billion of our
ADSs or ordinary shares, effective until July 1, 2020. The share repurchase program was publicly announced on May 16, 2019.
On May 13, 2020, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, or the 2020 share repurchase program, under which we may
repurchase up to US$1.0 billion of our ADSs or shares, effective until July 1, 2021. On August 17, 2020, our board of directors approved a change to the
2020 share repurchase program, increasing the repurchase authorization from US$1.0 billion to US$3.0 billion and extending the effective time through
December 31, 2022. In December 2020, our board of directors approved a further increase in the repurchase authorization from US$3.0 billion to
US$4.5 billion. The source of funding for our share repurchase program is our offshore cash and primarily from our direct offshore debt financing.
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The table below is a summary of the shares repurchased by us in 2020. All shares were repurchased in the open market pursuant to these share
repurchase programs.
Total
Number of
ADSs
Purchased
400
1,827,789
5,022,715
3,812,255
976,584
37,987
1,419,289
2,664,972
15,761,991
Average
Price
Paid Per
ADS
US$114.98
US$101.01
US$107.50
US$125.05
US$122.33
US$123.00
US$137.80
US$143.06
US$120.69
Total Number
of ADSs
Purchased as
Part of the
Publicly
Announced
Plan
400
1,827,789
5,022,715
3,812,255
976,584
37,987
1,419,289
2,664,972
15,761,991
Approximate
Dollar Value
ADSs that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plan
US$ 290,500,506
US$ 105,867,731
US$4,065,927,328
US$3,483,326,261
US$3,363,860,520
US$3,359,188,267
US$3,163,615,488
US$2,782,363,579
US$2,782,363,579
Period
February 1 – February 28, 2020
March 1 – March 31, 2020
May 13 – May 31, 2020
August 1 – August 31,2020
September 1 – September 30,2020
October 1 – October 31, 2020
November 1 – November 30, 2020
December 1 – December 31, 2020
Total
Item 16F.
Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
Not applicable.
Item 16G.
Corporate Governance
Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5620 requires each issuer to hold an annual meeting of shareholders no later than one year after the end of the issuer’s
fiscal year-end. However, Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5615(a)(3) permits foreign private issuers like us to follow “home country practice” in certain
corporate governance matters. Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands counsel, has provided a letter to the Nasdaq Stock Market
certifying that under Cayman Islands law, we are not required to hold annual shareholder meetings every year. We follow home country practice with
respect to annual meetings and did not hold an annual meeting of shareholders in 2020. We may, however, hold annual shareholder meetings in the
future if there are significant issues that require shareholders’ approvals. In the third quarter of 2018, our board of directors approved a 2018 share
incentive plan. We relied on home country practice exemption and did not convene a shareholder meeting to approve the 2018 share incentive plan.
Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands counsel, has provided a letter to the Nasdaq Stock Market certifying that under Cayman
Islands law, we are not required to obtain shareholder approval in respect of the adoption of a stock option or other equity compensation arrangement, or
an amendment to the stock option or other equity compensation plan.
Other than the practice described above, there are no significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those followed by
U.S. domestic companies under Nasdaq Stock Market Rules.
Item 16H.
Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 17.
Financial Statements
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
PART III
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Item 18.
Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements of Baidu, Inc., its subsidiaries and its consolidated affiliated entities are included at the end of this annual
report.
Item 19.
Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
1.1
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
99.2 of Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2008)
Registrant’s Specimen American Depositary Receipt (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the prospectus filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2009 pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) under the Securities Act)
Registrant’s Specimen Certificate for Class A Ordinary Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Amendment No. 5 to
our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2,
2005)
Form of Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, the depositary and holder of the American Depositary Receipts (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 12, 2005)
Indenture dated November 28, 2012 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 28, 2012)
First Supplemental Indenture dated November 28, 2012 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 28,
2012)
Form of 3.500% Notes due 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 28, 2012)
Second Supplemental Indenture dated August 6, 2013 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2013)
Third Supplemental Indenture dated June 9, 2014 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 9, 2014)
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated June 30, 2015 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2015)
Form of 3.00% Notes due 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 2, 2015)
Form of 4.125% Notes due 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 2, 2015)
Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated July 6, 2017 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 7, 2017)
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Exhibit
Number
2.13
2.14
2.15
2.16
2.17
2.18
2.19
2.20
2.21
2.22
2.23
2.24
2.23
2.24
2.25
2.26
Description of Document
Form of 2.875% Notes due 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 7, 2017)
Form of 3.625% Notes due 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 7, 2017)
Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated March 29, 2018 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15,
2018)
Form of 3.875% Notes due 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 15, 2018)
Form of 4.375% Notes due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 15, 2018)
Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated November 14, 2018 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15,
2018)
Form of 4.375% Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 15, 2018)
Form of 4.875% Notes due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 15, 2018)
Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 7, 2020, between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 7, 2020)
Form of 3.075% Notes due 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 7, 2020)
Form of 3.425% Notes due 2030 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 7, 2020)
Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2020, between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 9,
2020)
Form of 1.72% Notes due 2026 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 9, 2020)
Form of 2.375% Notes due 2030 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 9, 2020)
Indenture dated December 4, 2018 between iQIYI, Inc. and Citicorp International Limited, as trustee, and form of 3.75% Notes
due 2023 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.67 to iQIYI, Inc.’s annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-38431) filed
with the SEC on March 15, 2019)
Indenture dated March 29, 2019 between iQIYI, Inc. and Citicorp International Limited, as trustee, and form of 2.00% Notes due
2025 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.61 to iQIYI, Inc.’s annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-38431) filed with
the SEC on March 12, 2020)
175
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
2.27
2.28
2.29
2.30
2.31
2.32
4.1
4.2
Description of Document
Description of American Depositary Shares of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to the section titled “Description of
American Depositary Shares” in the Registrant’s registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-126534), originally filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2005, as amended, including any form of prospectus contained therein
pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and (ii) the Registrant’s registration statement on Form 8-A (File
No. 000-51469), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 1, 2005)
Description of the Registrant’s US$750,000,000 3.50% Notes Due 2022 (incorporated herein by reference to (i) the section titled
“Description of Debt Securities” in the Registrants’ registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-184757) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2012 and (ii) the section titled “Description of the Notes” in the prospectus
supplement, in the form filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 20, 2012 pursuant to
Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended)
Description of the Registrant’s US$750,000,000 3.00% Notes Due 2020 and US$500,000,000 4.13% Notes Due 2025
(incorporated herein by reference to (i) the section titled “Description of Debt Securities” in the Registrants’ registration statement
on Form F-3 (File No. 333-184757) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2012 and (ii) the section
titled “Description of the Notes” in the prospectus supplement, in the form filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 23, 2015 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended)
Description of the Registrant’s US$900,000,000 2.88% Notes Due 2022 and US$600,000,000 3.63% Notes Due 2027
(incorporated herein by reference to (i) the section titled “Description of Debt Securities” in the Registrants’ registration statement
on Form F-3 (File No. 333-218972) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017 and (ii) the section titled
“Description of the Notes” in the prospectus supplement, in the form filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 28, 2017 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended)
Description of the Registrant’s US$1,000,000,000 3.88% Notes Due 2023 and US$500,000,000 4.38% Notes Due 2028
(incorporated herein by reference to (i) the section titled “Description of Debt Securities” in the Registrants’ registration statement
on Form F-3 (File No. 333-218972) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017 and (ii) the section titled
“Description of the Notes” in the prospectus supplement, in the form filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 22, 2018 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended)
Description of the Registrant’s US$600,000,000 4.38% Notes Due 2024 and US$400,000,000 4.88% Notes Due 2028
(incorporated herein by reference to (i) the section titled “Description of Debt Securities” in the Registrants’ registration statement
on Form F-3 (File No. 333-218972) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017 and (ii) the section titled
“Description of the Notes” in the prospectus supplement, in the form filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 8, 2018 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended)
2000 Option Plan (amended and restated effective December 16, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of Form 6-K
furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2008)
2008 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 of Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 17, 2008)
176
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14
Description of Document
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and the Registrant’s directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.3 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
July 12, 2005)
Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and an Executive Officer of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on July 12, 2005)
Translation of Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement dated March 22, 2005 between Baidu Online and Baidu
Netcom and the supplementary agreement dated April 22, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of our Annual Report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012)
Translation of Operating Agreement dated March 22, 2005 between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 99.4 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on July 12, 2005)
Translation of Software License Agreement dated March 22, 2005 between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99.5 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 12, 2005)
Translation of Web Layout Copyright License Agreement dated March 1, 2004 between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom and the
supplementary agreement dated August 9, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.8 of our Registration Statement on Form
F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2005)
Translation of Proxy Agreement dated August 9, 2004 among Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom, Robin Yanhong Li and Eric Yong Xu
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.9 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2005)
English summary of the form of Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement/Exclusive Business Cooperation
Agreement between a subsidiary of the Registrant and a consolidated affiliated PRC entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.10 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
English summary of the form of Operating Agreement among a subsidiary of the Registrant, a consolidated affiliated PRC entity
and the shareholders of consolidated PRC entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
English summary of the form of Web Layout Copyright License Agreement, Software License Agreement and Trademark License
Agreement between a subsidiary of the Registrant and a consolidated affiliated PRC entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.12 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
English summary of the form of Proxy Agreement/Power of Attorney among a subsidiary of the Registrant, a consolidated
affiliated PRC entity and the shareholders of the consolidated affiliated PRC entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of
our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
English summary of the form of Equity Pledge Agreement between a subsidiary of the Registrant and the shareholder of a
consolidated affiliated PRC entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
177
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.15
4.16
4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
4.24
4.25
Description of Document
English summary of the form of Exclusive Equity Purchase Option Agreement among a subsidiary of the Registrant, a
consolidated affiliated PRC entity, the shareholders of a consolidated affiliated PRC entity and an offshore Holding company (if
applicable) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 15, 2019)
English summary of the form of Loan Agreement between a subsidiary of the Registrant and the shareholder of a consolidated
affiliated PRC entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Supplementary Agreement to Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement dated June 23, 2006
between Baidu Online and Beijing Perusal, dated as of April 22, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.25 of our Annual
Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012)
Translation of the Web Layout Copyright License Agreement dated June 23, 2006 between Baidu Online and Beijing Perusal
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 29, 2011)
Translation of the supplementary agreements, dated March 11, 2010 and April 22, 2010 to the Software License Agreement dated
March 22, 2005 between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.48 of our Annual Report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2011)
Translation of the supplementary agreement dated March 1, 2010 to the Web Layout Copyright License Agreement dated March 1,
2004 between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom and the supplementary agreement dated August 9, 2004 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.50 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2011)
Translation of the supplementary agreement dated April 22, 2010 to the Operating Agreement dated March 22, 2005 between
Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.51 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2011)
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Loan Agreement among Robin Yanhong Li, Baidu Netcom and Baidu Online
dated September 6, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.65 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012)
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Software License Agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom dated
January 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.68 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012)
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Web Layout Copyright License Agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu
Netcom dated January 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.69 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012)
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Web Layout Copyright License Agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu
Netcom dated August 15, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.64 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2014)
178
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.26
4.27
4.28
4.29
4.30
4.31
4.32
4.33
4.34
4.35
4.36
Description of Document
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Software License Agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom dated
August 15, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.65 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 28, 2014)
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Web Layout Copyright License Agreement between Baidu Online and Beijing
Perusal dated August 15, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.66 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2014)
Translation of the Termination Agreements among Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal, Jiping Liu and Yazhu Zhang, former individual
shareholders of Beijing Perusal, dated March 15, 2016 and May 3, 2016, respectively (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.34 of
our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreements between Baidu Online and Zhixiang Liang, and between Baidu Online
and Xiaodong Wang, both dated June 20, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.35 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Equity Transfer Agreements between Jiping Liu and Zhixiang Liang, between Jiping Liu and Xiaodong Wang,
and between Yazhu Zhang and Xiaodong Wang, all dated May 3, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.36 of our Annual
Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of Proxy Agreement among Zhixiang Liang and Baidu Online and of Proxy Agreement among Xiaodong Wang and
Baidu Online, both dated May 3, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.37 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Operating Agreement among Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal, Zhixiang Liang, and Xiaodong Wang, dated May 3,
2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.38 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreements between Baidu Online and Zhixiang Liang, and between
Baidu Online and Xiaodong Wang, both dated June 20, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.39 of our Annual Report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreements among Baidu Online,
Zhixiang Liang and Beijing Perusal, and among Baidu Online, Xiaodong Wang and Beijing Perusal, both dated June 20, 2016
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.40 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 31, 2017)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Zhixiang Liang, the individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, dated
May 3, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.41 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Xiaodong Wang, the individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, dated
May 3, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.42 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
179
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.37
4.38
4.39
4.40
4.41
4.42
4.43
4.44
4.45
4.46
4.47
4.48
Description of Document
Translation of the Termination Agreement of Current Control Contracts among Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom, Robin Yanhong Li
and Zhan Wang dated June 13, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.43 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Hailong Xiang dated January 18, 2017
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.44 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated January 18, 2017
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.45 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Equity Transfer Agreement between Zhan Wang and Hailong Xiang dated June 13, 2016 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.46 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31,
2017)
Translation of the Proxy Agreement among Robin Yanhong Li, Hailong Xiang and Baidu Online dated June 13, 2016
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.47 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Operating Agreement among Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom, Robin Yanhong Li, Hailong Xiang dated June 13,
2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.48 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Hailong Xiang dated January 18,
2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.49 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated
January 18, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.50 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu Online,
Hailong Xiang and Baidu Netcom dated January 18, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.51 of our Annual Report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu Online,
Robin Yanhong Li and Baidu Netcom dated January 18, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.52 of our Annual Report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Robin Yanhong Li, an individual shareholder of Baidu Netcom, dated
June 13, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.53 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Hailong Xiang, an individual shareholder of Baidu Netcom, dated June 13,
2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.54 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
180
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.49
4.50
4.51
4.54
4.55
4.56
4.58
4.59
4.60
4.61
4.62
4.63
4.64
Description of Document
Standstill Agreement between Baidu, Inc. and Ctrip.com International, Ltd. dated October 26, 2015 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3 of our Report on Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to Ctrip.com
International, Ltd. on November 4, 2015)
Registration Rights Agreement between Baidu Holdings Limited and Ctrip.com International, Ltd. dated October 26, 2015
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of our Report on Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with
respect to Ctrip.com International, Ltd. on November 4, 2015)
US$2,000,000,000 Facilities Agreement between the Registrant and other parties thereto dated June 8, 2016 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.68 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31,
2017)
Share Purchase Agreement among Baidu Holdings Limited, Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, 91 Wireless Websoft Limited and certain
investors party thereto, dated April 28, 2018 and as amended on August 21, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.54 of our
Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement among Baidu Holdings Limited, Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, Duxiaoman
(Cayman) Limited and certain investors party thereto, dated November 17, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.55 of our
Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
2018 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.56 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Hailong Xiang dated May 7, 2018
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.58 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated May 7, 2018
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.59 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Proxy Agreement between Robin Yanhong Li and Baidu, Inc. dated March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.60 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Proxy Agreement between Hailong Xiang and Baidu, Inc. dated March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.61 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu
Netcom, Baidu Online and Hailong Xiang dated May 7, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.62 of our Annual Report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu
Netcom, Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated May 7, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.63 of our Annual Report
on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Robin Yanhong Li, an individual shareholder of Baidu Netcom, March 31,
2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.64 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 15, 2019)
181
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.65
4.66
4.67
4.69
4.70
4.71
4.72
4.73
4.74
4.75
4.76
4.77
Description of Document
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Hailong Xiang, an individual shareholder of Baidu Netcom, dated
March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.65 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Hailong Xiang dated May 7, 2018
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.66 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated May 7,
2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.67 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Loan Agreements between Baidu Online and Zhixiang Liang, and between Baidu Online and Xiaodong Wang,
both dated March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.69 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of Proxy Agreements between Zhixiang Liang and Baidu, Inc., and between Xiaodong Wang and Baidu, Inc., dated
March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.70 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Zhixiang Liang, an individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, March 31,
2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.71 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Xiaodong Wang, an individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, March 31,
2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.72 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu Online, Zhixiang Liang
and Beijing Perusal, dated March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.73 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu Online, Xiaodong Wang
and Beijing Perusal, dated March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.74 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Termination Agreement of Current Control Contracts among Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal, Zhixiang Liang,
Xiaodong Wang, and Baidu, Inc. dated June 28, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.75 of our Annual Report on Form 20-
F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated July 10, 2019
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.83 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu
Netcom, Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated July 10, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.84 of our Annual Report
on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
182
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.78
4.79
4.80
4.81
4.82
4.83
4.84
4.85*
4.86*
4.87*
4.88*
4.89*
4.90*
Description of Document
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated July 10,
2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.85 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Termination Agreement of Current Control Contracts among Baidu, Inc., Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom, Robin
Yanhong Li and Hailong Xiang dated August 20, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.86 of our Annual Report on Form
20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of Proxy Agreement between Shanshan Cui and Baidu, Inc., dated August 20, 2019 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.87 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Operating Agreement among Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom, Shanshan Cui, and Robin Yanhong Li, dated
August 20, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.88 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Shanshan Cui dated August 20, 2019 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.89 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu Online, Shanshan Cui and
Baidu Netcom dated August 20, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.90 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Shanshan Cui dated August 20, 2019 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.91 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13,
2020)
Amended and Restated Share Purchase Agreement among the Buyer as defined therein, Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, JOYY Inc.
and certain investors party thereto, dated February 7, 2021
Translation of Termination Agreement among Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal, Zhixiang Liang, Lu Wang and our company, dated
October 30, 2019
Translation of Operating Agreement among Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal, Zhixiang Liang and Shanshan Cui, dated October 30,
2019
Translation of Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Shanshan Cui, dated October 30, 2019
Translation of Proxy Agreement between our company and Shanshan Cui, dated October 30, 2019
Translation of Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among our company, Baidu Online, Shanshan Cui and
Beijing Perusal, dated October 30, 2019
4.91*
Translation of Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Shanshan Cui, dated October 30, 2019
4.92*
4.93*
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Zhixiang Liang, an individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, dated
October 30, 2019
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Shanshan Cui, an individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, dated
October 30, 2019
183
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.94
4.95
4.96
4.97
4.98
4.99
4.100
4.101
4.102
4.103
4.104
4.105
Description of Document
Translation of Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement, effective on December 1, 2011, between Beijing QIYI
Century and Beijing Xinlian Xinde Advertisement Media Co., Ltd. (later renamed as Beijing iQIYI) (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on
February 27, 2018)
Translation of Software Licensing Agreement, effective on December 1, 2011, between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing Xinlian
Xinde Advertisement Media Co., Ltd. (later renamed as Beijing iQIYI) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the
registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Trademark Licensing Agreement, effective on December 1, 2011, between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing
Xinlian Xinde Advertisement Media Co., Ltd. (later renamed as Beijing iQIYI) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.51
to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Business Cooperation Agreement, effective on December 1, 2011, between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing
Xinlian Xinde Advertisement Media Co., Ltd. (later renamed as Beijing iQIYI) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.52
to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Amended and Restated Shareholder Voting Rights Trust Agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Xiaohua
Geng, dated January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File
No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Xiaohua Geng, dated
January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File
No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Commitment Letter issued by iQIYI, and Beijing QIYI Century, dated January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on
February 27, 2018)
Translation of Amended and Restated Exclusive Purchase Option Agreement among iQIYI, Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI
and Xiaohua Geng, dated January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the registration statement on
Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Xiaohua Geng, dated January 30, 2013
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI,
Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Amended and Restated Business Operation Agreement among Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and Xiaohua
Geng, dated January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File
No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Beijing QIYI Century, dated January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on
February 27, 2018)
Translation of Spousal Consent Letter issued by the spouse of Xiaohua Geng, dated September 26, 2016 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on
February 27, 2018)
184
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
8.1*
11.1
12.1*
12.2*
13.1**
13.2**
15.1*
15.2*
15.3*
List of Principal Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities
Description of Document
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.14 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file
no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2005)
Certification by Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Consent of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Consent of Han Kun Law Offices
Consent of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
101.INS*
Inline XBRL Instance Document—this instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags
embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
*
**
Filed herewith
Furnished herewith
185
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing its annual report on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and
authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
Baidu, Inc.
By: /s/ Robin Yanhong Li
Name: Robin Yanhong Li
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 9, 2021
186
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
F-1
Page(s)
F-2 – F-7
F-8
F-9
F-10 – F-11
F-12 – F-13
F-14 – F-95
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Baidu, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Baidu, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the related
consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2019 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 9, 2021 expressed an unqualified
opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial
statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the
Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included
performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures
that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or
required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2)
involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our
opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing
separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Valuation of equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative
Description of the Matter
As of December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of the Company’s equity investments
accounted for using the measurement alternative was RMB24,603 million. As discussed in
Notes 2, 4 and 25 to the
F-2
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How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
consolidated financial statements, the Company elected to use the measurement alternative to
measure equity investments without readily determinable fair values at cost, less any
impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly
transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, if any. For the year ended
December 31, 2020, gross unrealized gains (upward adjustments) of RMB3,726 million and
gross unrealized losses (downward adjustments excluding impairment) of RMB100 million
were recognized on equity investments still held at the reporting date in other income.
Auditing the valuation of equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative
was complex as significant judgment is required in the determination of whether an observable
price change of the same issuer is an orderly transaction and identical or similar to an
investment held by the Company, and, if so, the resulting price adjustment for the different
rights and obligations of the instruments. This process entails an evaluation of the difference
in rights and obligations between the two instruments, such as liquidation preferences and
redemption features, and the selection of appropriate valuation methodologies and underlying
assumptions to measure the price adjustment.
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of
controls over the Company’s processes of identifying similar instruments and determining the
price adjustment of equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative. For
example, we tested controls over management’s assessment of whether the observable price
changes are orderly transactions and identical or similar to the instruments held by the
Company. We also tested controls over management’s review of the price adjustments
recognized for the equity investments held.
To audit the valuation of equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative,
we performed procedures that included, among others, evaluating management’s assessment
for identifying observable price changes and whether they are orderly transactions and
identical or similar to the instruments held by the Company by considering differences in
rights and obligations of the two instruments. On a sample basis, we read the investment
agreements to compare the rights and obligations of the instruments with observable price
changes in orderly transactions to the instruments held by the Company. We evaluated
management’s assessment of the probability of exit events as it relates to liquidation and
redemption preferences, based on information available as of the observable transaction date.
For instruments which management assessed as similar, we evaluated the appropriateness of
the valuation methodologies and underlying assumptions used by management to derive the
price adjustments with the assistance of our internal valuation specialists, including comparing
expected volatility to those of comparable companies,
F-3
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when applicable. In addition, we recalculated the adjustments made to carrying values of the
equity investments held and compared the unrealized gains or losses to the amounts recorded
in the Company’s accounting records.
Impairment assessment of equity method investments and equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative
Description of the Matter
As described in Notes 2, 4 and 25 to the consolidated financial statements, as of December 31,
2020, the Company’s consolidated balance of equity method investments and equity
investments accounted for using the measurement alternative was RMB24,067 million and
RMB24,603 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company
recognized impairment losses of RMB297 million and RMB2,310 million for equity method
investments and equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative,
respectively. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment at each
reporting date, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. Factors considered by the
Company when determining whether an equity method investment has been other-than-
temporarily-impaired, include, but are not limited to, the length of the time and the extent to
which the fair value has been less than cost and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the
investment until the recovery of its cost. An impairment loss is recognized in earnings when
the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary. For equity investments
accounted for using the measurement alternative, the Company makes a qualitative assessment
considering impairment indicators to evaluate whether investments are impaired at each
reporting date. If a qualitative assessment indicates that an investment is impaired, the
Company estimates the investment’s fair value and records an impairment loss if the fair value
is less than the investment’s carrying value.
Auditing the Company’s impairment assessment was complex and highly judgmental due to
the significant uncertainties of COVID-19’s future impact and the significant judgment
involved in (i) management’s assessment of whether indicators of impairment existed, and if
so, determining whether (ii) a decline in value of equity method investments was other-than-
temporary and (iii) investments in equity investments accounted for using the measurement
alternative were impaired. In addition, auditing the fair value of the Company’s investments in
investees without observable market prices was highly judgmental due to the subjectivity of
the unobservable inputs used by management in the valuation methodologies to determine the
fair value for these investments, such as selection of comparable companies and multiples,
expected volatility, discount for lack-of-marketability and probability of exit events as it
relates to liquidation and redemption preferences when applicable, especially considering the
increased market volatility in the global financial markets after the COVID-19 outbreak.
These
F-4
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How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
unobservable inputs and resulting fair value estimates may be affected by unexpected changes
in future market or economic conditions.
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of
controls over the Company’s impairment review processes for equity method investments and
equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative. For example, we tested
controls over management’s identification and review of impairment indicators for these
investments, and as necessary, management’s review of the subsequent determination of
whether impairment existed and the measurement of fair value.
To test the impairment assessment of equity method investments and equity investments
accounted for using the measurement alternative, we performed audit procedures that
included, among others, evaluating management’s assessment as to whether indicators of
impairment existed and investments were impaired by considering the financial condition and
operating results of the investees, the expected impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s
investees and the industries they operate in, as well as other relevant market information.
For equity method investments, we also evaluated management’s determination as to whether
an indicated impairment was other-than-temporary, considering factors such as the duration
and magnitude of the decline in value and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the
investment until the recovery of its cost. We tested the completeness, accuracy and relevance
of the underlying data used by management in the valuation models to determine fair value.
With the assistance of our internal valuation specialists, we evaluated the appropriateness of
the valuation methodologies used by management to determine the fair value of investments
and tested the unobservable inputs used in the valuation methodologies by comparing certain
assumptions to industry, business and market data/information available from third-party
sources. We also independently developed fair value estimates and compared them to the
Company’s results and involved our internal valuation specialists to assist with the application
of these procedures.
/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007.
Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
March 9, 2021
F-5
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Baidu, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Baidu, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In
our opinion, Baidu, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020,
based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated
balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and
shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and our report dated March 9, 2021
expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness
of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting
firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and
the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s
internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a
material effect on the financial statements.
F-6
Table of Contents
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
March 9, 2021
F-7
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”), and in millions of U.S. Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares and per share data)
As of December 31,
Notes
2019
2020
RMB RMB US$
2020
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Short-term investments, net of allowances for credit losses of nil and RMB285 (US$44) for 2019 and 2020, respectively)
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of RMB928 and RMB1,320 (US$202) for 2019 and 2020, respectively
Amounts due from related parties
Other current assets, net
Total current assets
Non-current assets:
Fixed assets, net
Licensed copyrights, net
Produced content, net
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Long-term investments, net
Amounts due from related parties
Deferred tax assets, net
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Other non-current assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the primary beneficiaries of RMB24,692 and RMB25,051 (US$3,839) as of
December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively):
Short-term loans
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Customer deposits and deferred revenue
Deferred income
Long-term loans, current portion
Convertible senior notes, current portion
Notes payable, current portion
Amounts due to related parties
Operating lease liabilities
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the primary beneficiaries of RMB6,295 and RMB5,519 (US$846) as of
December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively):
Deferred income
Deferred revenue
Amounts due to related parties
Long-term loans
Notes payable
Convertible senior notes
Deferred tax liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Equity
Class A Ordinary Shares, par value US$0.000000625 per share, 66,000,000,000 shares authorized, and 2,190,529,680 shares and 2,107,228,720 shares issued and
outstanding as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, respectively (Note)
Class B Ordinary Shares, par value US$0.000000625 per share, 2,832,000,000 shares authorized, and 576,100,320 shares and 571,900,320 shares issued and
outstanding as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, respectively (Note)
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Total Baidu, Inc. shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity
33,443
996
112,924
7,416
1,594
9,189
165,562
35,782
758
126,402
8,668
726
11,006
183,342
5,484
117
19,372
1,328
111
1,687
28,099
18,311
6,287
4,355
1,600
18,250
69,410
3,564
2,193
7,332
4,452
135,754
301,316
17,508
6,435
6,556
2,022
22,248
76,233
3,438
1,674
9,804
3,448
149,366
332,708
2,683
986
1,005
310
3,410
11,683
527
257
1,503
527
22,891
50,990
2,618
32,701
11,062
529
737
—
5,219
2,231
2,283
57,380
3,016
36,716
12,626
158
7,427
4,752
—
1,324
2,366
68,385
462
5,627
1,935
24
1,138
728
—
203
364
10,481
17
1,009
3,846
7,804
38,090
12,297
3,273
4,486
299
71,121
128,501
97
686
3,543
—
48,408
11,927
3,067
4,693
59
72,480
140,865
15
105
543
—
7,419
1,828
470
719
9
11,108
21,589
4
7
23
8
9
5
6
10
10
4
23
16
15
8
1
12
11
12
14
13
23
15
1
23
12
13
14
16
15
18
19
1,109
3,102
475
20
—
—
—
20
20
20
—
38,714
126,268
(1,383)
163,599
8,107
171,706
301,316
—
47,213
135,284
199
182,696
6,045
188,741
332,708
—
7,236
20,733
30
27,999
927
28,926
50,990
Note: Par value per share and the number of shares as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 have been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision that became effective on March 1, 2021 as
detailed in Note 1 and Note 21.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-8
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”), and in millions of U.S. Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares and per share (or ADS) data)
Revenues:
Online marketing services
Others
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit
Other income (loss):
Interest income
Interest expense
Foreign exchange loss, net
Share of losses from equity method investments
Others, net
Total other income (loss), net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income (loss)
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
Earnings per share for Class A and Class B ordinary shares (Note):
Basic
Diluted
Earnings per ADS (1 ADS equals 8 Class A ordinary shares) (Note):
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares outstanding (in millions) (Note):
Basic
Diluted
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments, net of reclassification
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Comprehensive income (loss)
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
For the Years Ended December 31,
Notes
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2020
US$
81,912 78,093 72,840 11,163
20,365 29,320 34,234 5,247
24 102,277 107,413 107,074 16,410
51,744 62,850 55,158 8,454
19,231 19,910 18,063 2,769
15,772 18,346 19,513 2,989
86,747 101,106 92,734 14,212
6,307 14,340 2,198
15,530
4,451
(1,883)
(122)
4
(79)
9,428
4
11,795
27,325
4,743
22,582
(4,991)
27,573
16
6,060
(2,960)
(33)
(1,254)
(8,460)
(6,647)
822
5,358
(476)
(3,103)
(101)
(660)
(2,248)
(345)
9,403 1,441
8,750 1,341
(340) 23,090 3,539
1,948
623
(2,288) 19,026 2,916
(4,345)
(528)
2,057 22,472 3,444
(3,446)
4,064
21
21
20
9.83
9.75
0.71
0.70
8.19
8.12
1.26
1.24
78.64
78.03
5.68
5.60
65.54 10.04
9.96
64.98
2,792
2,814
2,787
2,791
2,732 2,732
2,756 2,756
194
92
286
(782)
(708)
(1,490)
1,936
(161)
1,775
296
(25)
271
22,868
(3,985)
26,853
(3,778) 20,801 3,187
(499)
(4,242)
(3,253)
464 24,054 3,686
Note: Basic and diluted earnings per share and the number of shares for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 have been retrospectively adjusted for the
Share Subdivision that were effective on March 1, 2021 as detailed in Note 1 and Note 21.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-9
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”), and in millions of U.S. Dollars (“US$”))
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash generated from operating activities:
Depreciation of fixed assets and computer parts
Amortization of intangible assets
Deferred income tax, net
Share-based compensation
Allowance for credit losses
Investment and interest income
Amortization and impairment of licensed copyrights
Amortization and impairment of produced content
Impairment of other assets
Share of losses from equity method investments
(Gain)/loss on disposal of subsidiaries
Barter transaction revenue
Accretion on convertible senior notes and asset-backed debt securities
Other non-cash expenses
Others
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of
Accounts receivable
Amounts due from related parties
Licensed copyrights
Produced content
Other assets
Customer deposits and deferred revenue
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred income
Amounts due to related parties
Net cash generated from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of fixed assets
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Acquisition of licensed copyrights
Acquisition of intangible assets
Purchases of held-to-maturity investments
Maturities of held-to-maturity investments
Purchases of available-for-sale investments
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale investments
Purchases of other long-term investments
Proceeds from disposal of long-term investments
Disposal of subsidiaries’ shares
Loans provided to related parties
Repayment of loans provided to related parties
Micro loan origination and disbursement (Note)
Principal payments received on micro loans (Note)
Purchases of other invested securities (Note)
Sales and maturities of other invested securities (Note)
Other investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2020
US$
22,582
(2,288)
19,026
2,916
3,730
385
(761)
4,676
451
(7,648)
12,253
2,266
1,208
79
(5,525)
(1,083)
25
99
(51)
(1,611)
527
—
(4,545)
3,212
912
4,094
(64)
756
35,967
5,615
661
(696)
5,626
429
(2,305)
12,885
2,977
10,714
1,254
578
(683)
380
76
(78)
(1,779)
(135)
—
(3,596)
(863)
1,515
(1,653)
(37)
(139)
28,458
5,772
544
115
6,728
679
(11,966)
11,864
4,534
2,928
2,248
885
83
17
1,031
104
(1,833)
1,818
695
449
345
— —
(211)
77
113
10
(1,376)
501
739
71
(1,660)
125
(10,528)
(6,728)
(351)
1,177
208
(293)
(157)
24,200
(254)
19
(1,613)
(1,031)
(54)
180
32
(45)
(24)
3,709
(5,084)
(2,396)
(8,772)
(1,978)
(13,116)
(385)
(6,428)
(969)
(12,152)
(541)
(779)
(367)
— —
(38)
(247)
(27,640) (120,189) (159,197) (24,399)
46,563 134,299 20,582
49,040
(284,149) (218,171) (133,008) (20,384)
239,861 291,163 135,606 20,783
(4,467)
(685)
6,523
1,000
(74)
(486)
— —
917
140
— —
— —
— —
— —
(12)
(2)
(4,223)
(27,552)
(6,322)
7,517
(476)
—
24
—
—
—
—
7
(19,974)
(9,891)
2,524
5,581
(8,632)
12,270
(35,824)
38,063
(16,362)
24,949
1
(34,460)
Note: The financial services business (“Du Xiaoman”) was disposed in the year of 2018. Please see Note 4 for further information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-10
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”), and in millions of U.S. Dollars (“US$”))
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
2020
RMB RMB RMB US$
2019
2020
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term loans
Repayments of short-term loans
Proceeds from long-term loans
Repayments of long-term loans
Loans borrowed from related parties
Repayment of loans borrowed from related parties
Proceeds from issuance of long-term notes, net of issuance costs
Repayment of long-term notes
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes, net of issuance costs
Purchase of capped calls
Proceeds from issuance of subsidiaries’ shares
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Proceeds from exercise of share options
Proceeds from issuance of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Proceeds from third-party investors for sale of financial products (Note)
Repayment to third-party investors for sale of financial products (Note)
Proceeds from secured borrowings from third-party financial institutions (Note)
Repayment of secured borrowings from third-party financial institutions (Note)
Other financing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of fixed assets included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Non-cash acquisitions of investments
(356)
(709)
4,662
— —
18,050
3,787 2,738
(1,055) (3,166)
1,168
(98)
(6,846) (6,912)
5,035 7,910
(465)
15,689
545
3,559
(494)
(3,223)
946 — —
(109)
(168)
3,732 — — —
(55)
(10) 13,346 2,046
(824)
(5,378)
789
5,151
(567) — —
715
401
(3,312) (4,958) (13,054) (2,001)
35
18
— —
257
15,143 — — —
(33,376) — — —
10,380 — — —
(13,426) — — —
(35)
—
(105)
869
15,082 (3,873)
(32)
1
18,491 4,612
323
11,336 29,827 34,439 5,278
29,827 34,439 36,540 5,601
(230)
5,665
(212)
2,101
228
1,669
1,902
676
1,579 2,448
5,509 4,100
2,204
3,608
1,516 1,020
28
764
984
54
338
553
151
8
Note: The financial services business (“Du Xiaoman”) was disposed in the year of 2018. Please see Note 4 for further information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-11
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”), and in millions of U.S. Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)
Balances at December 31, 2017
Cumulative effect of accounting change
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Business combinations
Issuance of shares by the Company’s subsidiaries to noncontrolling
interest
Exercise of share-based awards
Share-based compensation
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Repurchase and retirement of ordinary shares
Disposal of subsidiaries’ shares
Conversion of iQIYI preferred shares recognized as redeemable
noncontrolling interests to ordinary shares
Equity component of convertible senior notes issued by iQIYI, net of
issuance costs
Purchase of capped calls
Balances at December 31, 2018
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Business combinations
Acquisition of non-controlling interests in a subsidiary
Issuance of shares by the Company’s subsidiaries to noncontrolling
interest
Exercise of share-based awards
Share-based compensation
Dividends paid and payable by the Company’s subsidiaries
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Repurchase and retirement of ordinary shares
Disposal of subsidiaries’ shares
Equity component of convertible senior notes issued by iQIYI, net of
issuance costs
Purchase of capped calls
Balances at December 31, 2019
Ordinary shares
Attributable to Baidu, Inc.
Number of shares
(Note)
Amount
RMB
2,785,298,560 —
— —
— —
— —
— —
Additional paid-in
capital
RMB
Retained
earnings
RMB
12,088 102,328
—
2,787
— 27,573
— —
75 —
— —
26,070,320 —
— —
— —
(16,573,200) —
— —
14,984 —
689 —
4,340 —
(130)
(3,312)
1,323 —
—
—
— —
— —
— —
— —
2,794,795,680 —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
24,997,040 —
— —
— —
— —
(53,162,720) —
— —
— —
— —
2,766,630,000 —
206 —
(264) —
33,441 129,246
—
2,057
— —
— —
(22) —
(19) —
18 —
5,045 —
— —
(77)
—
—
(4,958)
13 —
559 —
(321) —
38,714 126,268
Accumulated other
comprehensive
income (loss)
RMB
Noncontrolling
interests
RMB
Total
shareholders’
equity
RMB
930
(1,854)
—
1,134
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
210
—
(1,593)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4,004
—
(4,991)
1,006
1,312
(733)
—
217
(16)
—
235
119,350
933
22,582
2,140
1,387
14,251
689
4,557
(146)
(3,312)
1,558
11,150
11,150
156
(201)
12,139
(4,345)
103
266
(43)
325
—
504
(128)
(34)
—
(863)
362
(465)
175,036
(2,288)
(1,490)
266
(65)
306
18
5,549
(128)
(111)
(4,958)
(850)
—
—
(1,383)
429
(246)
8,107
988
(567)
171,706
Note: The number of shares has been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision that became effective on March 1, 2021 as detailed in Note 1 and Note 21.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-12
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”), and in millions of U.S. Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares)
Balances at December 31, 2019
Cumulative effect of accounting change
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Business combinations
Issuance of shares by the Company’s subsidiaries to
noncontrolling interest
Exercise of share-based awards
Share-based compensation
Dividends payable by the Company’s subsidiaries
Return of equity to noncontrolling interest shareholders
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Repurchase and retirement of ordinary shares
Equity component of convertible senior notes issued by iQIYI,
net of issuance costs
Others
Balances at December 31, 2020
Balances at December 31, 2020, in US$
Ordinary shares
Attributable to Baidu, Inc.
Number of shares
(Note)
Amount
RMB
2,766,630,000 —
— —
— —
— —
— —
Additional paid-in
capital
RMB
Retained
earnings
RMB
38,714 126,268
—
(314)
— 22,472
—
—
—
—
Accumulated other
comprehensive
(loss)
income
RMB
— —
38,595,040 —
— —
— —
— —
— —
(126,096,000) —
— —
— —
2,679,129,040 —
—
—
2,260
—
302
—
5,749
—
—
—
—
—
(88)
— (13,054)
208
(20)
—
—
47,213 135,284
7,236 20,733
Noncontrolling
interests
RMB
Total
shareholders’
equity
RMB
(1,383)
—
—
1,582
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
199
30
8,107
(43)
(3,446)
193
798
2,397
—
645
(70)
(2,704)
(39)
—
187
20
6,045
927
171,706
(357)
19,026
1,775
798
4,657
302
6,394
(70)
(2,704)
(127)
(13,054)
395
—
188,741
28,926
Note: The number of shares has been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision that became effective on March 1, 2021 as detailed in Note 1
and Note 21.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F-13
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
1.
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Baidu, Inc. (“Baidu” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on January 18, 2000. The Company, its subsidiaries,
variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and subsidiaries of the VIEs are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Group.”
As of December 31, 2020, the Company has subsidiaries incorporated in countries and jurisdictions including the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”),
Hong Kong, Japan, Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands (“BVI”). As of December 31, 2020, the Company also effectively controls a number of
VIEs through the Primary Beneficiaries, as defined below. The VIEs include:
•
•
•
•
Beijing Baidu Netcom Science Technology Co., Ltd. (“Baidu Netcom”), controlled by the Company;
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Perusal”), controlled by the Company;
Beijing iQIYI Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing iQIYI”), and other VIEs controlled by iQIYI, Inc. (“iQIYI VIEs”); and
Other VIEs controlled by the Company or the Company’s subsidiaries.
The Group’s operations are consisting of Baidu Core and iQIYI. Baidu Core offers online marketing service, and other services including cloud services
and other growth initiatives including Apollo intelligent driving, Xiaodu smart devices, etc. iQIYI is an innovative market-leading online entertainment
service and offers membership services, online advertising services, content distribution and others service. The Group’s principal geographic market is
in the PRC. The Company does not conduct any substantive operations of its own, but conducts its primary business operations through its subsidiaries
and VIEs in the PRC.
PRC laws and regulations prohibit or restrict foreign ownership of internet content, value-added telecommunication-based online advertising, audio and
video services, and mobile application distribution businesses, etc. To comply with these foreign ownership restrictions, the Group operates its websites
and primarily provides services subject to such restriction in the PRC through the VIEs, the PRC legal entities that were established or whose equity
shares were held by the individuals authorized by the Group. The paid-in capital of the VIEs was mainly funded by the Company or its subsidiaries
through loans extended to the authorized individuals who were the shareholders of the VIEs. The Company or its subsidiaries has entered into proxy
agreements or powers of attorney and exclusive equity purchase option agreement with the VIEs and nominee shareholders of the VIEs through the
Company or its subsidiaries (“Primary Beneficiaries”), which give the Primary Beneficiaries the power to direct the activities that most significantly
affect the economic performance of the VIEs and to acquire the equity interests in the VIEs when permitted by the PRC laws, respectively. Certain
exclusive agreements have been entered into with the VIEs through the Primary Beneficiaries or their wholly-owned subsidiaries in the PRC, which
obligate the Primary Beneficiaries to absorb losses or receive economic benefits of the VIEs’ that could potentially be significant to the VIEs or entitle
the Primary Beneficiaries to receive economic benefits from the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. In addition, the Group has
entered into certain agreements with the shareholders of the VIEs through the Primary Beneficiaries or their wholly-owned subsidiaries, including loan
agreements for the paid-in capital of the VIEs and equity pledge agreements for the equity interests in the VIEs held by the shareholders of the VIEs.
Despite the lack of legal majority ownership, there exists a parent-subsidiary relationship between the Primary Beneficiaries and the VIEs through the
aforementioned agreements with the shareholders of the VIEs. The shareholders of the VIEs effectively assigned all of their voting rights underlying
their equity interest in the VIEs to the Primary Beneficiaries. In addition, through the other exclusive agreements, which consist of operating
agreements, technology consulting and services agreements and license agreements, the Primary Beneficiaries,
F-14
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
by themselves or their wholly-owned subsidiaries in the PRC, demonstrate their ability and intention to continue to exercise the ability to absorb losses
or receive economic benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. The VIEs are subject to operating risks, which determine the variability of
the Company’s interest in those entities. Based on these contractual arrangements, the Company consolidates the VIEs as required by Accounting
Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation.
Unrecognized revenue-producing assets held by the VIEs include certain internet content provisions and other licenses, domain names and trademarks.
The internet content provisions and other licenses, which are held by the VIEs that provide the relevant services, are required under relevant PRC laws,
rules and regulations for the operation of Internet businesses in the PRC, and therefore are integral to the Company’s operations.
The principal terms of the agreements entered into amongst the VIEs, their respective shareholders and the Primary Beneficiaries before the
amendments made in March 2018 are further described below.
Loan Agreements
Pursuant to loan agreements amongst the shareholders of Baidu Netcom and Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Baidu Online”),
one of the Company’s subsidiaries, Baidu Online provided interest-free loans in an aggregate amount of RMB13.4 billion (US$2.1 billion) to the
shareholders of Baidu Netcom solely for the latter to fund the capitalization of Baidu Netcom. The loans can be repaid only with the proceeds from the
sale of the shareholders’ equity interest in Baidu Netcom to Baidu Online or its designated person. The term of the loan agreements will expire on
July 9, 2029 and August 19, 2029, and can be extended with the written consent of both parties before its expiration.
Pursuant to loan agreements amongst the shareholders of Baidu Perusal and Baidu Online, the amount of loans extended to the respective shareholders
of Beijing Perusal is RMB3.2 billion (US$490 million). The term of the loan agreements will expire on March 30, 2028 and October 29, 2029, and can
be extended with the written consent of both parties before its expiration. Each of the loan agreements amongst Baidu Online or other subsidiaries and
the respective shareholders of Beijing Perusal or other VIEs, including iQIYI VIEs, contains substantially the same terms as those described above,
except that the amount of the loans and the contract expiration date varies. Beijing QIYI Century Science & Technology Co., Ltd (“Beijing QIYI
Century”), a wholly-owned foreign enterprise of iQIYI, has extended the term of the amended and restated loan agreement.
Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement
Pursuant to the exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreement amongst the shareholders of Baidu Netcom, Baidu Netcom and Baidu Online,
the shareholders of Baidu Netcom irrevocably granted Baidu Online or its designated person(s) an exclusive option to purchase, to the extent permitted
under PRC law, all or part of the equity interests in Baidu Netcom for the cost of the initial contributions to the registered capital or the minimum
amount of consideration permitted by applicable PRC law. The shareholders should remit to Baidu Online any amount that is paid by Baidu Online or its
designated person(s) in connection with the purchased equity interest. Baidu Online or its designated person(s) have sole discretion to decide when to
exercise the option, whether in part or in full. Any and all dividends and other capital distributions made by Baidu Netcom to its shareholders should be
repaid to Baidu Online in full amount. Baidu Online would provide unlimited financial support to Baidu Netcom if, in the normal operation of business,
Baidu Netcom would become in need of any form of reasonable financial support. If Baidu Netcom were to incur any loss and as a result cannot repay
any loans from Baidu Online, Baidu Online should unconditionally forgive any such loans to Baidu Netcom given that Baidu Netcom provides
sufficient proof for its loss and incapacity to repay. The agreement will terminate
F-15
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
when the shareholders of Baidu Netcom have transferred all their equity interests in Baidu Netcom to Baidu Online or its designated person(s) or upon
expiration of the term of business of Baidu Online or Baidu Netcom.
Each of the exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreements amongst the Company, Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal and its shareholders and
iQIYI, Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and its shareholders contains substantially the same terms as those described above, except that the initial
term of the amended and restated exclusive purchase option agreement amongst iQIYI, Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and its shareholder is ten
years, which has been extended, and can be further renewed at iQIYI’s discretion
Commitment Letters
Pursuant to the commitment letter dated January 30, 2013, under the condition that Beijing iQIYI remains as a consolidated affiliated entity of iQIYI
under United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and the relevant contractual arrangements remain in effect, iQIYI commits
to provide unlimited financial support to Beijing iQIYI, if Beijing iQIYI requires any form of reasonable financial support for its normal business
operations. If Beijing iQIYI incurs any losses and as a result cannot repay its loans from iQIYI and Beijing QIYI Century, one of iQIYI’s subsidiaries,
iQIYI and Beijing QIYI Century would unconditionally forgive their loans to Beijing iQIYI, if Beijing iQIYI provides sufficient proof for its loss and
incapacity to repay.
The commitment letters executed by other iQIYI VIEs contain terms similar to the terms described above.
Proxy Agreement/Power of Attorney
Pursuant to the proxy agreement between Baidu Online and the shareholders of Baidu Netcom, the shareholders of Baidu Netcom agreed to entrust all
the rights to exercise their voting power and any other rights as shareholders of Baidu Netcom to the person(s) designated by Baidu Online. The
shareholders of Baidu Netcom have each executed an irrevocable power of attorney to appoint the person(s) designated by Baidu Online as their
attorney-in-fact to vote on their behalf on all matters requiring shareholder approval. The proxy agreement would be in effect for an unlimited term
unless terminated in writing by Baidu Online. The power of attorney would be in effect for as long as the shareholders of Baidu Netcom hold any equity
interests in Baidu Netcom.
Each of the proxy agreements or shareholder voting rights trust agreements amongst Baidu Online or other subsidiaries and the shareholders of Beijing
Perusal and other VIEs contains substantially the same terms as those described above. Each of the proxy agreements will be in effect for an unlimited
term unless terminated in writing by Baidu Online or other subsidiaries. Each of the powers of attorney will be in effect for as long as the shareholder of
Beijing Perusal or other VIEs, including iQIYI VIEs, holds any equity interests in Beijing Perusal or other VIEs, including iQIYI VIEs, as the case may
be.
Operating Agreement
Pursuant to the operating agreement amongst Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom and the shareholders of Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online provides guidance and
instructions on Baidu Netcom’s daily operations and financial affairs. Baidu Online has the power to appoint senior executives of Baidu Netcom. The
shareholders of Baidu Netcom must appoint the candidates recommended by Baidu Online as their representatives on Baidu Netcom’s board of
directors. In addition, Baidu Online agrees to guarantee Baidu Netcom’s performance under any agreements or arrangements relating to Baidu Netcom’s
business arrangements with any third party. In return, Baidu Netcom agrees that without the prior consent of Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom will not
engage in any transactions that could materially affect the assets, liabilities, rights or operations of Baidu Netcom, including, without limitation,
incurrence or assumption of any indebtedness, sale or purchase of any assets or rights,
F-16
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
incurrence of any encumbrance on any of its assets or intellectual property rights in favor of a third party or transfer of any agreements relating to its
business operation to any third party. The agreement will be in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of Baidu Online or Baidu Netcom
expires and extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
The operating agreement amongst Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal and its shareholders contains substantially the same terms as those described above.
Pursuant to the amended and restated business operation agreement amongst Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and its shareholder, Beijing QIYI
Century provides guidance and instructions on Beijing iQIYI’s daily operations and financial affairs. In addition, Beijing QIYI Century agrees to
guarantee Beijing iQIYI’s performance under any agreements or arrangements relating to Beijing iQIYI’s business arrangements with any third party.
The agreement can only be unilaterally revoked by Beijing QIYI Century. The initial term of the agreement is ten years, which has been extended, and
can be further renewed at Beijing QIYI Century’s discretion.
Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement
Pursuant to the exclusive technology consulting and services agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online has the exclusive right
to provide technology consulting and services related to, among other things, the maintenance of servers, software development, design of
advertisements, and e-commerce technical services to Baidu Netcom. Baidu Online owns the intellectual property rights resulting from the performance
of this agreement. Baidu Netcom agrees to pay service fees to Baidu Online and Baidu Online has the right to adjust the service fees at its sole discretion
without the consent of Baidu Netcom. The agreement will be in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party expires and
extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities
Each of the exclusive technology consulting and services agreements between Baidu Online or other subsidiaries and Beijing Perusal or other VIEs,
including iQIYI VIEs, contains substantially the same terms as those described above, except the basis of determining the service fees may differ and
that the initial term of the exclusive technology consulting and services agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI dated November
23, 2011 is ten years, and has been extended.
License Agreements
Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom entered into a software license agreement and a web layout copyright license agreement (collectively, the “License
Agreements”). Pursuant to the License Agreements between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online has granted to Baidu Netcom the right to
use (including but not limited to) a software license and a web layout copyright license. Baidu Netcom may only use the licenses in its own business
operations. Baidu Online has the right to adjust the service fees at its sole discretion. The software license agreement and web layout copyright license
agreement were renewed since their original expiration and would be in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party expires and
extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
Baidu Online entered into web layout copyright license agreements with Beijing Perusal. Each of the license agreements between the Baidu Online and
Beijing Perusal or other VIEs contains substantially the same terms as those described above. Each of the web layout copyright license agreements was
renewed in 2013 and would be in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party expires and extension is denied by the relevant
approval authorities.
F-17
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Pursuant to the trademark license agreement and the software usage license agreement amongst Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI effective
November 23, 2011, Beijing QIYI Century granted a non-exclusive and non-transferable license, without sublicensing rights, to Beijing iQIYI to use its
trademarks and software. Beijing iQIYI may only use the licenses in its own business operations. Beijing QIYI Century has the right to adjust the
service fees at its sole discretion. The initial term of the two agreements is five years and the software usage license agreement may be extended upon
the written consent of Beijing QIYI Century. The trademark license agreement is automatically extended for successive one-year periods after its
expiration unless Beijing QIYI Century early terminates the agreement in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. The software usage license
agreement was extended for another five years after its initial term, and was extended for another ten years in December 2020.
Business Cooperation Agreement
Pursuant to the business cooperation agreement amongst Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI effective November 23, 2011, Beijing iQIYI agrees to
provide Beijing QIYI Century with services, including internet information services, online advertising and other services reasonably necessary within
the scope of Beijing QIYI Century’s business. Beijing iQIYI agrees to use, technology services provided by Beijing QIYI Century on its website,
including but not limited to, P2P download and video on-demand systems. Beijing QIYI Century agrees to pay specified service fees to Beijing iQIYI as
consideration for the internet information services and other services provided by Beijing iQIYI. Beijing iQIYI has the right to waive the service fees at
its discretion. The initial term of this agreement is ten years, which has been extended, and can be further renewed at Beijing QIYI Century’s discretion.
Equity Pledge Agreement
Pursuant to the equity pledge agreement between Baidu Online and the shareholders of Baidu Netcom, the shareholders of Baidu Netcom pledged all of
their equity interests in Baidu Netcom to Baidu Online to guarantee their obligations under the loan agreement and Baidu Netcom’s performance of its
obligations under the exclusive technology consulting and services agreement. If Baidu Netcom or its shareholders breach their respective contractual
obligations, Baidu Online, as the pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. The shareholders of
Baidu Netcom agreed not to dispose of the pledged equity interests or take any actions that would prejudice Baidu Online’s interest. The equity pledge
agreement will expire two years after expiration of the term or the fulfillment by Baidu Netcom and its shareholders of their respective obligations under
the exclusive technology consulting and services agreement and the loan agreement.
Each of the equity pledge agreements amongst Baidu Online or other subsidiaries and the shareholders of Beijing Perusal or other VIEs, including iQIYI
VIEs, contains substantially the same terms, including its term to expiration, as those described above.
Through the design of the aforementioned agreements, the shareholders of the VIEs effectively assigned their full voting rights to Baidu Online, which
gives Baidu Online the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance. Baidu Online obtains the ability to
approve decisions made by the VIEs and the ability to acquire the equity interests in the VIEs when permitted by PRC law. Baidu Online is obligated to
absorb losses or receive economic benefits of the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs through providing unlimited financial support to
the VIEs or is entitled to receive economic benefits from the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs through the exclusive technology
consulting and service fees. As a result of these contractual agreements, Baidu Online is determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Despite
the lack of technical majority ownership, there exists a parent-subsidiary relationship between the
F-18
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Company and the VIEs through these contractual agreements, and the Company consolidates the VIEs through Baidu Online.
Through the Contractual Arrangements, the shareholders of the VIEs effectively assigned all of their voting rights underlying their equity interest in
iQIYI VIEs to iQIYI. In addition, through the other exclusive agreements, which consist of the operation agreements, business cooperating agreement,
exclusive technology consulting and services agreements and trademark and software usage license agreements, iQIYI, through its wholly-owned
subsidiaries in the PRC, have the right to receive economic benefits from iQIYI VIEs that potentially could be significant to iQIYI VIEs. Lastly, through
the commitment letters, iQIYI has the obligation to absorb losses of iQIYI VIEs that could potentially be significant to iQIYI VIEs. Therefore, iQIYI is
considered the primary beneficiary of iQIYI VIEs and consolidates iQIYI VIEs and their subsidiaries.
In March 2018, the contractual agreements for certain VIEs, including Baidu Netcom and Beijing Perusal, were amended to include the following terms:
a.
Exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreement
The Company has (i) an exclusive option to purchase, when and to the extent permitted under PRC laws, all or part of the equity interests in the
VIE or all or part of the assets held by the VIE, (ii) an exclusive right to cause the nominee shareholders to transfer their equity interest in the VIE
to the Company or any designated person and (iii) an obligation to provide unlimited financial support to the VIEs when the VIEs become in need
of any form of reasonable financial support in the normal operation of business. If the VIEs were to incur any loss and as a result cannot repay any
loans from the Company, the Company will unconditionally forgive any such loans to the VIEs upon provision by the VIEs of sufficient proof for
its loss and incapacity to repay.
b.
Proxy Agreements/Power of Attorney
The appointment of any individuals to exercise the powers and rights assigned pursuant to the Proxy Agreement requires the approval of the
Company. All the activities in relation to such powers and rights assigned are directed and approved by the Company. The shareholders of the
VIEs agreed to entrust all the rights to exercise their voting power and any other rights as shareholders of the VIEs to the person(s) designated by
the Company. The shareholders of the VIEs have each executed an irrevocable power of attorney to appoint the person(s) designated by the
Company as their attorney-in-fact to vote on their behalf on all matters requiring shareholder approval.
As a result, the power and the rights pursuant to the Proxy Agreements have since been effectively reassigned from Baidu Online to the Company which
has the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance. The Company or its subsidiaries is
also obligated to absorb the expected losses or receive economic benefits of the VIE through the agreements mentioned above. Therefore, the Company
has replaced Baidu Online as the primary beneficiary of Baidu Netcom and Beijing Perusal since March 2018. As the VIEs were subject to indirect
control by the Company through its subsidiaries immediately before and direct control immediately after the contractual agreements were amended, the
change of the primary beneficiary of the VIEs was accounted for as a common control transaction based on the carrying amount of the net assets
transferred.
In the opinion of the Company’s legal counsel, (i) the ownership structure relating to the VIEs of the Company is in compliance with PRC laws and
regulations; (ii) the contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their shareholders are legal, valid and binding obligation of such party, and enforceable
against such party in accordance with their respective terms; and (iii) the execution, delivery and performance of the VIEs and their shareholders do not
result in any violation of the provisions of the articles of association and business licenses of the VIEs, and any violation of any current PRC laws and
regulations.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The following tables set forth the financial statement balances and amounts of the VIEs and their subsidiaries were included in the consolidated financial
statements after the elimination of intercompany balances and transactions among VIEs and their subsidiaries within the Group.
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments, net
Accounts receivable, net
Others
Total current assets
Fixed assets, net
Intangible assets, net
Licensed copyrights, net
Produced content, net
Long-term investments, net
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Others
Total non-current assets
Total
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Customer deposits and deferred revenue
Operating lease liabilities
Others
Total current third-party liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Others
Total non-current third-party liabilities
Amounts due to the Company and its non-VIE subsidiaries, net
Total
Total revenues
Net (loss) income
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities
As of December 31,
2020
2019
RMB RMB
(In millions)
2020
US$
360
2,313 2,348
1,892 6,930 1,062
5,023 6,614 1,014
5,750 8,097 1,241
14,978 23,989 3,677
763
3,839 4,978
230
1,404 1,499
152
1,641
993
4,355 6,130
939
21,825 20,707 3,173
6,525 6,460
990
7,970 7,717 1,183
47,559 48,484 7,430
62,537 72,473 11,107
15,774 15,420 2,363
927
4,841 6,047
317
2,110 2,068
232
1,967 1,516
24,692 25,051 3,839
671
4,227 4,376
175
2,068 1,143
6,295 5,519
846
17,121 19,592 3,003
48,108 50,162 7,688
For the years ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2020
US$
(In millions)
33,992
(6,834)
2,396
(16,674)
11,916
51,988
(2,950)
1,649
(4,829)
3,604
52,666
2,091
4,616
(8,382)
3,859
8,071
320
707
(1,285)
591
F-20
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
As of December 31, 2020 there was no pledge or collateralization of the VIEs’ assets that can only be used to settle obligations of the VIEs, other than
aforementioned in the equity pledge agreements and collateralization of a VIE’s office building, restricted cash as described in Note 12. The amount of
the net assets of the VIEs was RMB22.3 billion (US$3.4 billion) as of December 31, 2020. The creditors of the VIEs’ third-party liabilities did not have
recourse to the general credit of the Company in normal course of business. The Company did not provide or intend to provide financial or other
supports not previously contractually required to the VIEs during the years presented.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
Beginning on January 1, 2020, the Company reclassified licensed copyrights and produced content to separate line items while they were previously
included in “Intangible assets, net” and “Other non-current assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. Comparative figures were reclassified to conform
to this presentation.
Effective on March 1, 2021, the Company has changed its authorized share capital by one-to-eighty subdivision of Shares (the “Share Subdivision”).
Each share classified as Class A ordinary shares, Class B ordinary shares and preferred shares of a par value of US$0.00005 each in the share capital of
the Company (including authorized issued and unissued Class A ordinary shares, Class B ordinary shares and preferred shares) be sub-divided into 80
shares of a par value of US$0.000000625 each. Following the Share Subdivision, the authorized share capital of the Company will be US$43,520
divided into 66,000,000,000 Class A ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.000000625 each, 2,832,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of a par value of
US$0.000000625 each and 800,000,000 preferred shares of a par value of US$0.000000625 each. The number of issued and unissued Class A ordinary
shares, Class B ordinary shares and preferred shares as disclosed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements are presented on a basis after taking
into account the effects of the Share Subdivision and have been retrospectively adjusted, where applicable. Simultaneously with the Share Subdivision,
the change in ratio of the Company’s ADS to Class A ordinary share (the “ADS Ratio Change”) also became effective. Following the ADS Ratio
Change, each ADS now represents eight Class A ordinary shares. Previously, ten ADSs represented one Class A ordinary share. Given that the ADS
Ratio Change was exactly proportionate to the Share Subdivision, no new ADSs were issued to any ADS holder and the total number of the Company’s
outstanding ADSs remains unchanged immediately after the Share Subdivision and the ADS Ratio Change became effective.
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs. All inter-
company transactions and balances between the Company, its subsidiaries, VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs are eliminated upon consolidation. The
Company included the results of operations of acquired businesses from the respective dates of acquisition.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
Adoption of ASU 2016-13
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments
—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized
cost and is codified in ASC Topic 326, Credit Losses (“ASC 326”). ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected
loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of credit losses. Further, ASU 2016-13 modified the impairment model of available-for-
sale debt securities and required the company to determine whether all or a portion of the unrealized loss on an available-for-sale debt security is a credit
loss. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, using a modified retrospective transition method and did not restate the comparable
periods, which resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment to decrease the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2020 by RMB314 million,
including the allowance for credit losses for account receivable, contract assets and debt securities.
Adoption of ASU 2017-04
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill
impairment by eliminating Step two from the goodwill impairment test. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment
loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, versus determining an implied fair value in Step two to measure the impairment loss. The
Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis on January 1, 2020 with no material impact on its consolidated financial statements as a result of
adopting the new standard.
Adoption of ASU 2019-02
In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials
(“ASU 2019-02”), which includes the following major changes from previous legacy GAAP that are applicable to the Company:
•
The content distinction for capitalization of production costs of an episodic television series and production costs of films is removed;
•
Entities are required to test films and license agreements for program material for impairment at a film group level when the film or license
agreements are predominantly monetized with other films and license agreements;
•
Entities shall assess estimates of the use of a film in a film group and account for such changes prospectively;
•
Cash outflows for the costs incurred to obtain rights for both produced and licensed content are required to be reported as operating cash outflows
in the statement of cash flows.
The Company adopted ASU 2019-02 on January 1, 2020, using a prospective transition method. For the year ended December 31, 2020, cash outflows
for the costs incurred to acquire licensed copyrights are reported as operating cash outflows in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows
whereas they were reported as investing cash outflows prior to the adoption of ASU 2019-02. There was no material impact to the consolidated balance
sheet or consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). See the Company’s updated accounting policies for Produced Content and Licensed
Copyrights for further details.
Cash paid for content, which includes both licensed copyrights and produced content, is RMB17.0 billion (US$2.6 billion) for the year ended
December 31, 2020.
F-22
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Management evaluates estimates, including those related to the standalone selling prices of
performance obligations and amounts of variable considerations of revenue contracts, the allowances for credit losses of accounts receivable, contract
assets and debt securities, fair values of certain debt and equity investments, future viewership consumption patterns and useful lives of licensed
copyrights and produced content, future revenues generated by the broadcasting and sublicensing rights of content assets (licensed and produced), fair
values of licensed copyrights and produced contents monetized as a film group or individually, fair value of nonmonetary content exchanges,
impairment of long-lived assets, long-term investments and goodwill, the purchase price allocation and fair value of pre-existing equity interests,
noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests with respect to business combinations, deferred tax valuation allowance, the fair value
of share-based awards and estimated forfeitures for share-based awards among others. Management bases the estimates on historical experience and on
various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of
assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Currency Translation for Financial Statements Presentation
Translations of amounts from RMB into US dollar $ (USD) for the convenience of the reader have been calculated at the exchange rate of RMB6.525
per US$1.00 on December 31, 2020, the last business day in fiscal year 2020, as published on the website of the United States Federal Reserve Board.
No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars at such rate.
Foreign Currency
The Company’s functional currency is the US$. The Company’s subsidiaries, VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs determine their functional currencies
based on the criteria of ASC Topic 830, Foreign Currency Matters. The Company uses the RMB as its reporting currency. The Company uses the
exchange rate as of the balance sheet date to translate its assets and liabilities and the average daily exchange rate for each month to translate its income
and expense items to reporting currency. Any translation gains (losses) are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Transactions denominated in
foreign currencies are measured and recorded into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies other than functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the
balance sheet date. Exchange gains and losses are included in earnings as a component of “Other income (loss), net.”
Segment Reporting
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the Company had two reportable segments, Baidu Core and iQIYI. Baidu Core mainly provides search-based, feed-
based and other online marketing services, as well as products and services from its new AI initiatives. iQIYI is an online entertainment service provider
that offers original, professionally produced and partner-generated content on its platform. In early April 2018, iQIYI completed its initial public
offering (“IPO”) on the Nasdaq Global Market.
The Company’s chief executive officer, who has been identified as the chief operating decision marker (“CODM”), reviews the operating results of
Baidu Core and iQIYI, to allocate resources and assess the
F-23
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Company’s performance. Accordingly, the financial statements include segment information which reflects the current composition of the reportable
segments in accordance with ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for its business combinations using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business
Combinations. The purchase method of accounting requires that the consideration transferred to be allocated to the assets, including separately
identifiable assets and liabilities the Company acquired, based on their estimated fair values. The consideration transferred in an acquisition is measured
as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of the assets given, liabilities incurred, and equity instruments issued as well as the contingent
considerations as of the acquisition date. The costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets, liabilities and
contingent liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any
noncontrolling interests. The excess of (i) the total of cost of acquisition, fair value of the noncontrolling interests and acquisition date fair value of any
previously held equity interests in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree, is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of
acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in earnings.
In a business combination achieved in stages, the Company remeasures its previously held equity interest in the acquiree immediately before obtaining
control at its acquisition-date fair value and the re-measurement gain or loss, if any, is recognized in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income (loss).
The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests is based on various
assumptions and valuation methodologies requiring considerable judgment from management. The most significant variables in these valuations are
discount rates, the number of years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as the assumptions and estimates used to determine the cash
inflows and outflows. The Company determines discount rates to be used based on the risk inherent in the related activity’s current business model and
industry comparisons.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash, money market funds, investments in interest bearing demand deposit accounts, time deposits and
highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase and are stated at cost which approximates their fair
value.
Restricted cash
Restricted cash mainly represents escrow amount deposited for a business acquisition and cash pledged for short-term facilities.
Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets, net
Accounts receivable are recognized and carried at the original invoiced amount less an allowance for credit losses. The Company maintains an
allowance for credit losses in accordance with ASC 326 and records the allowance for credit losses as an offset to accounts receivable and contract
assets, and the estimated credit losses charged to the allowance is classified as “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of
F-24
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
comprehensive income (loss).The Company assesses collectability by reviewing accounts receivable and contract assets on a collective basis where
similar characteristics exist, primarily based on similar business line, service or product offerings and on an individual basis when the Company
identifies specific customers with known disputes or collectability issues. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, the Company
considers historical collectability based on past due status, the age of the accounts receivable balances and contract assets balances, credit quality of the
Company’s customers based on ongoing credit evaluations, current economic conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic
conditions, and other factors that may affect the Company’s ability to collect from customers.
Receivables from Online Payment Agencies, net
Receivables from online payment agencies are funds due from the third-party online payment service providers for clearing transactions. Funds were
paid or deposited by customers or users through these online payment agencies for services provided by the Company. The Company considers and
monitors the credit worthiness of the third-party payment service providers and recognizes credit losses based on ongoing credit evaluations. Receivable
balances are written off when they are deemed uncollectible. The balances are included in “Other current assets, net” on the consolidated balance sheets.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, no allowance for credit losses was provided for the receivables from online payment agencies.
Investments
Short-term investments
All highly liquid investments with original maturities less than twelve months are classified as short-term investments. Investments that are expected to
be realized in cash during the next twelve months are also included in short-term investments.
The Company accounts for short-term debt investments in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments—Debt Securities (“ASC 320”). The Company
classifies the short-term investments in debt as held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale, whose classification determines the respective accounting
methods stipulated by ASC 320. Dividend and interest income, including amortization of the premium and discount arising at acquisition, for all
categories of investments in securities are included in earnings. Any realized gains or losses on the sale of the short-term investments are determined on
a specific identification method, and such gains and losses are reflected in earnings during the period in which gains or losses are realized.
Securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and stated at amortized
cost less allowance for credit losses.
Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities, in accordance with
ASC 320. Unrealized holding gains and losses for trading securities are included in earnings.
Debt investments not classified as trading or as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale debt securities, which are reported at fair value, with
unrealized gains and losses recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income” on the consolidated balance sheets.
The allowance for credit losses of the held-to-maturity debt securities reflects the Company’s estimated expected losses over the contractual lives of the
held-to-maturity debt securities and is charged to “Others, net” in the
F-25
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Estimated allowances for credit losses are determined by considering reasonable and
supportable forecasts of future economic conditions in addition to information about past events and current conditions. As of December 31, 2019 and
2020, the allowance for credit losses provided for the held-to-maturity debt securities held by the Company was insignificant.
Long-term investments
The Company’s long-term investments consist of equity investments with readily determinable fair value, equity method investments, equity
investments without readily determinable fair value, other investments accounted for at fair value, held-to-maturity debt investments and available-for-
sale debt investments.
The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”), codified in
ASC Topic 321, Investments—Equity Securities (“ASC 321”), from January 1, 2018 and the cumulative effect of RMB1.9 billion representing the
unrealized gains of available-for-sale equity securities before the adoption was recorded as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings. Pursuant to
ASC 321, equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method, those that result in consolidation of the investee and certain other
investments, are measured at fair value, and any changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. For equity securities without readily determinable fair
value and do not qualify for the existing practical expedient in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) to estimate fair
value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) of the investment, the Company elected to use the measurement alternative to measure those
investments at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar
investments of the same issuer, if any. Significant judgments are required to determine (i) whether observable price changes are orderly transactions and
identical or similar to an investment held by the Company; and (ii) the selection of appropriate valuation methodologies and underlying assumptions,
including expected volatility and the probability of exit events as it relates to liquidation and redemption features used to measure the price adjustments
for the difference in rights and obligations between instruments. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value, and
any changes in fair value are recognized in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
For equity investments measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings, the Company does not assess whether those securities are
impaired. For equity investments that the Company elects to use the measurement alternative, the Company makes a qualitative assessment considering
impairment indicators to evaluate whether investments are impaired at each reporting date. Impairment indicators considered include, but are not limited
to, a significant deterioration in the earnings performance or business prospects of the investee, including factors that raise significant concerns about the
investee’s ability to continue as a going concern, a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic, or technologic environment of the investee
and a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographical area or the industry in which the investee operates. If a
qualitative assessment indicates that the investment is impaired, the entity has to estimate the investment’s fair value in accordance with the principles of
ASC 820. If the fair value is less than the investment’s carrying value, the Company recognizes an impairment loss in net income equal to the difference
between the carrying value and fair value.
Investments in entities in which the Company can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or control are accounted for
using the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (“ASC 323”). Under the
equity method, the Company initially records its investment at cost and the difference between the cost of the equity investee and the amount of the
underlying equity in the net assets of the equity investee is accounted for as if the investee were a
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
consolidated subsidiary. The Company subsequently adjusts the carrying amount of its investment to recognize the Company’s proportionate share of
each equity investee’s net income or loss into earnings. The Company will discontinue applying the equity method if an investment (plus additional
financial support provided to the investee, if any) has been reduced to zero. When the Company has other investments in its equity-method investee and
is not required to advance additional funds to that investee, the Company would continue to report its share of equity method losses in its consolidated
statements of comprehensive income (loss) after its equity-method investment in ordinary shares has been reduced to zero, to the extent of and as an
adjustment to the adjusted basis of the Company’s other investments in the investee. Such losses are first applied to those investments of a lower
liquidation preference before being further applied to the investments of a higher liquidation preference. The Company adopted a one-quarter lag in
reporting for its share of equity income/(loss) in all of its equity method investees.
The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment at each reporting date, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. Factors considered by the Company when determining whether an
investment has been other-than-temporarily-impaired, include, but are not limited to, the length of the time and the extent to which the market value has
been less than cost, the financial performance and near-term prospect of the investee, and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment until
the recovery of its cost. An impairment loss on the equity method investments is recognized in earnings when the decline in value is determined to be
other-than-temporary and is allocated to the individual net assets underlying equity method investments in the following order: 1) reduce any equity
method goodwill to zero; 2) reduce the individual basis differences related to the investee’s long-lived assets pro rata based on their amounts relative to
the overall basis difference at the impairment date; and 3) reduce the individual basis difference of the investee’s remaining assets in a systematic and
rational manner.
In accordance with ASC Subtopic 946-320, Financial Services—Investment Companies, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 946-320”), the
Company accounts for long-term equity investments in unlisted companies held by consolidated investment companies at fair value. These investments
were initially recorded at their transaction price net of transaction costs, if any. Fair value of these investments are re-measured at each reporting date in
accordance with ASC 820.
Available-for-sale debt investments are convertible debt instruments issued by private companies and investment in preferred shares that is redeemable
at the Company’s option, which are measured at fair value. Interest income is recognized in earnings. All other changes in the carrying amount of these
debt investments are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments are in the form of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, amounts due from and
due to related parties, other receivables, long-term investments, short-term loans, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, customer advances and
deposits, derivative instruments, notes payable, convertible senior notes and long-term loans. Except for the current portion of long-term loans and notes
payables, the carrying values of the aforementioned financial instruments included in current assets and liabilities approximate their respective fair
values because of their general short maturities. The carrying amounts of long-term loans approximate fair values as the related interest rates currently
offered by financial institutions for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities. The fair value of long-term investments, notes payable and
convertible senior notes that are not reported at fair value are disclosed in Note 25.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful
lives of the assets or the term of the related lease, as follows:
Office building
Office building related facility, machinery and equipment
Computer equipment
Office equipment
Vehicles
Leasehold improvements
– 43 to 45 years
– 15 years
– 3 to 5 years
– 3 to 5 years
– 5 years
– over the shorter of lease terms or estimated useful lives of the assets
Fixed assets have no estimated residual value except for the office building and its related facility, machinery and equipment, which have an estimated
residual value of 4% of the cost.
Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas the cost of renewals and betterments that extend the useful life of fixed assets
are capitalized as additions to the related assets. Retirements, sales and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the cost and accumulated
depreciation from the asset and accumulated depreciation accounts with any resulting gain or loss reflected in earnings. All direct and indirect costs that
are related to the construction of fixed assets and incurred before the assets are ready for their intended use are capitalized as construction in progress.
Construction in progress is transferred to specific fixed assets items and depreciation of these assets commences when they are ready for their intended
use.
Interest costs are capitalized if they are incurred during the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset and such costs could have been
avoided if expenditures for the assets have not been made. Capitalization of interest costs commences when the activities to prepare the asset are in
progress and expenditures and borrowing costs are being incurred. Interest costs are capitalized until the assets are ready for their intended use. Interest
costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 were insignificant.
Licensed Copyrights, net
Licensed copyrights consist of professionally-produced content such as films, television series, variety shows and other video content acquired from
external parties. The license fees are capitalized and, unless prepaid, a corresponding liability is recorded when the cost of the content is known, the
content is accepted by the Company in accordance with the conditions of the license agreement and the content is available for its first showing on the
Company’s websites. Licensed copyrights are presented on the consolidated balance sheets as current and non-current based on estimated time of usage.
The Company’s licensed copyrights include the right to broadcast and, in some instances, the right to sublicense. The broadcasting right, refers to the
right to broadcast the content on its own websites and the sublicensing right, refers to the right to sublicense the underlying content to external parties.
When licensed copyrights include both broadcasting and sublicensing rights, the content costs are allocated to these two rights upon initial recognition,
based on the relative proportion of the estimated total revenues that will be generated by each right over its estimated useful lives.
For the right to broadcast the contents on its own websites that generates online advertising and membership services revenues, based on factors
including historical and estimated future viewership patterns, the content
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
costs are amortized using an accelerated method by content categories over the shorter of each content’s contractual period or estimated useful lives
within ten years, beginning with the month of first availability. Content categories accounting for most of the Company’s content include newly released
drama series, newly released movies, animations, library drama series and library movies. Estimates of future viewership consumption patterns and
estimated useful lives are reviewed periodically, at least on an annual basis and revised, if necessary. Revisions to the amortization patterns are
accounted for as a change in accounting estimate prospectively in accordance with ASC Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (“ASC
250”). For the right to sublicense the content to external parties that generates direct content distribution revenues, the content costs are amortized based
on its estimated usage pattern and recorded as cost of revenues.
Produced Content, net
The Company produces original content in-house and collaborates with external parties. Produced content primarily consists of films, episodic series,
variety shows and animations. The costs incurred in the physical production of original content includes direct production costs, production overhead
and acquisition costs. Production costs for original content that are predominantly monetized in a film group are capitalized and reported separately as
non-current assets with caption of “Produced content, net” on the consolidated balance sheets. Production costs for original content predominantly
monetized on its own are capitalized to the extent that they are recoverable from total revenues expected to be earned (“ultimate revenue”); otherwise,
they are expensed as cost of revenues. Ultimate revenue estimates include revenue expected to be earned from all sources, including exhibition,
licensing, or exploitation of produced content if the Company has demonstrated a history of earning such revenue. The Company estimates ultimate
revenue to be earned during the estimated useful lives of produced content based on anticipated release patterns and historical results of similar
produced content, which are identified based on various factors, including cast and crew, target audience and popularity. Produced content also includes
cash expenditures made to acquire a proportionate share of certain rights to films including profit sharing, distribution and/or other rights. Exploitation
costs are expensed as incurred.
Based on factors including historical and estimated future viewership consumption patterns, the Company amortizes film costs for produced content that
is predominantly monetized in a film group. For produced content that is monetized on its own, the Company considers historical and estimated usage
patterns to determine the pattern of amortization for film costs. Based on the estimated patterns, the Company amortizes produced content using an
accelerated method over its estimated useful lives within ten years, beginning with the month of first availability and such costs are included in “Cost of
revenues” in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).
Change in accounting estimates of licensed copyrights and produced content
In 2020, the Company revised its estimation of the estimated future viewership consumption patterns and extended the estimated useful lives of its
licensed copyrights and produced content to better reflect the usage of these content assets. As a result of these revisions, amortization expense
decreased by RMB680 million (US$104 million) and net loss decreased by RMB680 million (US$104 million) for the year ended December 31, 2020,
respectively. The impact to basic and diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2020 was insignificant.
Impairment of licensed copyrights and produced content
The Company’s business model is mainly subscription and advertising based, as such the majority of the Company’s content assets (licensed copyrights
and produced content) are predominantly monetized with other content assets, whereas a smaller portion of the Company’s content assets are
predominantly monetized at a
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
specific title level such as variety shows and investments in a proportionate share of certain rights to films including profit sharing, distribution and/or
other rights. Because the identifiable cash flows related to content launched on the Company’s Mainland China platform are largely independent of the
cash flows of other content launched on the Company’s overseas platform, the Company has identified two separate film groups. The Company reviews
its film groups and individual content for impairment when there are events or changes in circumstances that indicate the fair value of a film group or
individual content may be less than its unamortized costs. Examples of such events or changes in circumstances include, a significant adverse change in
technological, regulatory, legal, economic, or social factors that could affect the fair value of the film group or the public’s perception of a film or the
availability of a film for future showings, a significant decrease in the number of subscribers or forecasted subscribers, or the loss of a major distributor,
a change in the predominant monetization strategy of a film that is currently monetized on its own, actual costs substantially in excess of budgeted costs,
substantial delays in completion or release schedules, or actual performance subsequent to release failing to meet expectations set before release such as
a significant decrease in the amount of ultimate revenue expected to be recognized.
When such events or changes in circumstances are identified, the Company assesses whether the fair value of an individual content (or film group) is
less than its unamortized film costs, determines the fair value of an individual content (or film group) and recognizes an impairment charge for the
amount by which the unamortized capitalized costs exceed the individual content’s (or film group’s) fair value. The Company mainly uses a discounted
cash flow approach to determine the fair value of an individual content or film group, for which the most significant inputs include the forecasted future
revenues, costs and operating expenses attributable to an individual content or the film group and the discount rate. An impairment loss attributable to a
film group is allocated to individual licensed copyrights and produced content within the film group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying values
of those assets as the Company cannot estimate the fair value of individual contents in the film group without undue cost and effort.
Impact of COVID-19
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company’s operations has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company’s online marketing
revenues declined compared to the prior period mainly due to weakness in online advertising demand as its customers in certain industries are negatively
impacted by COVID-19. The Company has also provided additional credit losses for accounts receivable and contract assets, recognized impairment
charges on its long-term investments, intangible asset and content assets, and recorded its share of losses from equity method investees in the year ended
December 31, 2020, due to the impact of COVID-19 and other factors. In addition, increased market volatility has contributed to larger fluctuations in
the valuation of the Company’s equity investments.
There are still uncertainties of COVID-19’s future impact, and the extent of the impact will depend on a number of factors, including the duration and
severity of COVID-19, possibility of a second wave in China, the development and progress of distribution of COVID-19 vaccine and other medical
treatment, the potential change in user behavior, especially on internet usage due to the prolonged impact of COVID-19, the actions taken by
government authorities, particularly to contain the outbreak, stimulate the economy to improve business condition especially for SMEs, almost all of
which are beyond the Company’s control. As a result, certain of the Company’s estimates and assumptions, including the allowance for credit losses, the
valuation of certain debt and equity investments, long-term investments, content assets and long-lived assets subject to impairment assessments, require
significant judgments and carry a higher degree of variabilities and volatilities that could result in material changes to the Company’s current estimates
in future periods.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. The Company
assesses goodwill for impairment in accordance with ASC Subtopic 350-20, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Goodwill (“ASC 350-20”), which
requires that goodwill to be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually and more frequently upon the occurrence of certain events,
as defined by ASC 350-20. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the Company has two reporting units, consisting of Baidu Core and iQIYI.
The Company has the option to assess qualitative factors first to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative test in accordance with
ASC 350-20. In the qualitative assessment, the Company considers primary factors such as industry and market considerations, overall financial
performance of the reporting unit, and other specific information related to the operations. If the Company believes, as a result of the qualitative
assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test
described above is required. Otherwise, no further testing is required. The quantitative impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit with
its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an
amount equal to that excess.
The Company performed qualitative assessments for the reporting unit of Baidu Core in 2019 and 2020. Based on the requirements of ASC 350-20, the
Company evaluated all relevant factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, financial performance,
and the share price of the Company. The Company weighed all factors in their entirety and concluded that it was not more-likely-than-not the fair value
was less than the carrying amount of Baidu Core, and further impairment testing on goodwill was unnecessary as of December 31, 2019 and 2020.
The Company elected to choose to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to perform quantitative test for the reporting unit of iQIYI.
Subsequent to iQIYI’s IPO, the Company primarily considered the quoted market price of iQIYI’s share to determine the fair value of the reporting unit.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the fair value of iQIYI exceeded its carrying amount, therefore, goodwill related to the iQIYI reporting unit was not
impaired and the Company was not required to perform further testing.
On disposal of a portion of reporting unit that constitutes a business, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the amount
of profit or loss on disposal. When the Group disposes of a business within the reporting unit, the amount of goodwill disposed is measured on the basis
of the relative fair value of the business disposed and the portion of the reporting unit retained. This relative fair value approach is not used when the
business to be disposed was not integrated into the reporting unit after its acquisition, in which case the current carrying amount of the acquired
goodwill should be included in the carrying amount of the business to be disposed.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets with finite lives are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. All intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-
line method over their estimated useful lives.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Intangible assets have weighted average useful lives from the date of purchase as follows:
Trademarks
Technology
Intellectual property right
Online literature
Others
– 10 years
– 7 years
– 7 years
– 8 years
– 8 years
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life are not amortized and are tested for impairment annually or more frequently, if events or changes in
circumstances indicate that they might be impaired in accordance with ASC Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: General Intangibles
Other than Goodwill (“ASC 350-30”).
Upon the initial application of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”) on January 1, 2019, codified in ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”),
land use rights were presented as operating lease right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”). Such amount was included in the opening balance of operating
lease ROU assets as of January 1, 2019 with no adjustments made to the comparative periods.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill
The Company evaluates long-lived assets, such as fixed assets and purchased or internally developed intangible assets with finite lives other than
licensed copyrights and produced contents, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not
be recoverable in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. When such events occur, the Company assesses the recoverability of
the asset group based on the undiscounted future cash flows the asset group is expected to generate and recognizes an impairment loss when estimated
undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset group plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset group, if any,
is less than the carrying value of the asset group. If the Company identifies an impairment, the Company reduces the carrying amount of the asset group
to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values and the
impairment loss, if any, is recognized in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The Company uses estimates and
judgments in its impairment tests and if different estimates or judgments had been utilized, the timing or the amount of any impairment charges could be
different. Asset groups to be disposed of would be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and no longer depreciated.
The assets and liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the
consolidated balance sheets.
Leases
The Company adopted ASC 842 from January 1, 2019 by using the modified retrospective method and did not restate the figures presented for the 2018
comparative year. The Company has elected the package of practical expedients, which allows the Company not to reassess (1) whether any expired or
existing contracts as of the adoption date are or contain a lease, (2) lease classification for any expired or existing leases as of the adoption date and
(3) initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases as of the adoption date. The Company also elected the practical expedient not to separate lease
and non-lease components of contracts, except for bandwidth service included in internet data center (“IDC”) facilities lease contracts. Lastly, the
Company elected the short-term lease exemption for all contracts with lease terms of 12 months or less.
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at lease inception. For operating leases, the Company recognizes an ROU asset
and a lease liability based on the present value of the lease payments over
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
the lease term on the consolidated balance sheets at commencement date. For finance leases, assets are included in “Other non-current assets” on the
consolidated balance sheets. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company estimates its incremental borrowing rate
based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is
estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments, and in economic environments where the leased
asset is located. The Company’s leases often include options to extend and lease terms include such extended terms when the Company is reasonably
certain to exercise those options. Lease terms also include periods covered by options to terminate the leases when the Company is reasonably certain
not to exercise those options. Lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Revenue Recognition
The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), codified in ASC Topic 606, Revenue
from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), from January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The cumulative effect of adopting ASC
606 resulted in an increase of RMB933 million to the opening balance of retained earnings at January 1, 2018, which is primarily related to the
Company’s online marketing revenues.
Revenue is recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers in an amount of consideration to which an
entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recorded net of valued added taxes (“VAT”).
The Company’s revenue recognition policies effective on the adoption date of ASC 606 are as follows:
Performance-based online marketing services
Cost-per-click (“CPC”)
The Company’s auction-based P4P platform enables customers to bid for priority placement of paid sponsored links and reach users who search for
information related to their products or services. P4P online marketing customers can choose from search-based and feed-based online marketing
services, and select criteria for their inventory purchase, such as daily spending limit and user profile targeted, including, but not limited to, users from
specific regions in China and users online during specific time period. Revenue is recognized when all of the revenue recognition criteria are met, which
is generally when a user clicks on one of the customer-sponsored links or feed-based marketing.
Other performance-based online marketing services
To the extent the Company provides online marketing services based on performance criteria other than cost-per-click, such as the number of downloads
(and user registration) of mobile apps and the pre-determined ratios of completed transaction volumes, revenue is recognized when the specified
performance criteria are met along with the satisfaction of other applicable revenue recognition criteria.
Online display advertising services
The Company provides online display advertising services to its customers by integrating text description, image and/or video, and displaying the
advertisement in the search result, in Baidu Feed or on other properties. The
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Company recognizes revenue on a pro-rata basis over the contractual term for cost per time advertising arrangements, commencing on the start date of
the display advertisement, or based on the number of times that the advertisement has been displayed for cost per thousand impressions advertising
arrangements.
For advertisements to be displayed in different spots, placed under different forms and displayed at different times, the Company would evaluate all of
the performance obligations in the arrangement to determine whether each performance obligation is distinct. Consideration is allocated to each
performance obligation based on its standalone selling price at contract inception. The Company generally determines standalone selling prices based on
the prices charged to customers on a standalone basis or estimates it using an expected cost plus margin approach. If a promised good or service does not
meet the criteria to be considered distinct, it is combined with other promised goods or services until a distinct bundle of goods or services exists.
Baidu Union online marketing services
Baidu Union is a program through which the Company expands distribution of its customers’ sponsored links or advertisements by leveraging the traffic
of Baidu Union partners’ online properties. The Company acquires traffic from Baidu Union partners and is responsible for service fulfillment, pricing
and bearing inventory risks. The services which the Company provided to customers through Baidu Union partners’ online properties include CPC,
other performance-based online marketing services and online display advertising services. These services are provided in the same way to our
customers as those through Baidu’s own platforms or properties. As principal, the Company recognizes revenue from Baidu Union on a gross basis.
Payments made to Baidu Union partners are recorded as traffic acquisition costs, which are included in “Cost of revenues” in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Online marketing services customers are required to pay a deposit before using the Company’s services. Once their account balance falls below a
designated amount, they will receive an automated notice from the Company to replenish their accounts. Customer deposit is deducted and the revenue
is recognized when a user clicks on the customer’s link in the search result, when other performance criteria other than CPC have been satisfied, or when
online display advertising services have been provided. The Company offers payment terms to certain customers based on their credit history with the
Company and other credit factors. The Company may also offer payment terms to certain agencies, as is common in the industry.
Collection
Certain customers of online marketing services are required to pay a deposit before using the Company’s services and are sent automated reminders to
replenish their accounts when the balance falls below a designated amount. The deposits received are recorded as “Customer deposits and deferred
revenue” on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts due to the Company are deducted from the deposited amounts when users click on the paid
sponsored links in the search results or other performance criteria have been satisfied. In addition, the Company offers payment terms to some customers
based on their historical marketing placements and credibility. The Company also offers longer payment terms to certain online payment agencies,
consistent with industry practice.
Payment terms and conditions vary by customer and are based on the billing schedule established in the Company’s contracts or purchase orders with
customers, but the Company generally provides credit terms to customers within one year; therefore, the Company has determined that its contracts do
not include a significant financing component.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Sales incentives
The Company provides sales incentives to third-party agents that entitle them to receive price reductions on the online marketing services by meeting
certain cumulative consumption requirements. The Company accounts for these incentives granted to customers as variable consideration and net them
against revenue. The amount of variable consideration is measured based on the most likely amount of incentives to be provided to customers.
Membership services
The Company offers membership services to subscribing members with various privileges, which primarily include access to exclusive and ad-free
streaming of premium content 1080P/4K high-definition video, Dolby Audio, and accelerated downloads and others, or personal cloud services, in
exchange for non-refundable upfront membership fees. When the receipt of membership fees is for services to be delivered over a period of time, the
receipt is initially recorded as “customer deposits and deferred revenue” and revenue is recognized ratably over the membership period as services are
rendered. Membership services revenue also includes fees earned from subscribing members for on-demand content purchases and early access to
premium content. The Company is the principal in its relationships where partners, including consumer electronics manufacturers (TVs and cell
phones), mobile operators, internet service providers and online payment agencies, provide access to the membership services or payment processing
services as the Company retains control over its service delivery to its subscribing members. Typically, payments made to the partners, are recorded as
cost of revenues. For the sale of the right to other membership services through strategic cooperation with other parties, the Company recognizes
revenue on a net basis when the Company does not control the specified services before they are transferred to the customer.
Content distribution
The Company generates revenues from sub-licensing content licensed from vendors for cash or through nonmonetary exchanges mainly with other
online video broadcasting companies. The exclusive licensing agreements the Company enters into with the vendors have a specified license period and
provides the Company rights to sub-license these contents to other parties. The Company enters into a non-exclusive sub-license agreement with a
sub-licensee for a period that falls within the original exclusive license period. For cash sub-licensing transactions, the Company is entitled to receive
the sub-license fee under the sub-licensing arrangements and does not have any future obligation once it has provided the underlying content to the
sub-licensee (which is provided at or before the beginning of the sub-license period). The sub-licensing of content represents a license of functional
intellectual property which grants a right to use the Company’s licensed copyrights, and is recognized at the point in time when the licensed copyright is
made available for the customer’s use and benefit.
The Company also enters into nonmonetary transactions to exchange online broadcasting rights of licensed copyrights with other online video
broadcasting companies from time to time. The exchanged licensed copyrights provide rights for each party to broadcast the licensed copyrights
received on its own website only. Each transferring party retains the right to continue broadcasting the exclusive content on its own website and/or
sublicense the rights to the content it surrendered in the exchange. The Company accounts for these nonmonetary exchanges based on the fair value of
the asset received. Barter sublicensing revenues are recognized in accordance with the same revenue recognition criteria above. The Company estimates
the fair value of the licensed copyrights received using a market approach based on various factors, including the purchase price of similar non-
exclusive and/or exclusive contents, broadcasting schedule, cast and crew, theme, popularity, and box office. The transaction price of nonmonetary
exchange is calculated on the individual content asset basis. For a significant nonmonetary exchange, the Company further reviews the fair value by
analyzing against the cost of the licensed copyrights bartered out and/or engages a third-party valuation firm to assess the reasonableness of its
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
fair value. The attributable cost of sublicensing transactions, whether for cash or through nonmonetary exchanges, is recognized as cost of revenues
through the amortization of the sublicensing right component of the exclusive licensed copyright.
The Company recognized barter sublicensing revenues of RMB1.1 billion, RMB683 million and RMB1.4 billion (US$211 million) and related costs of
RMB1.0 billion, RMB570 million and RMB1.1 billion (US$161 million) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Cloud services
The Company provides public cloud services, which include computing database, storage and other services to enterprise and personal customers and
allow customers to use hosted software over the contract period without taking possession of the software, generally on either a subscription or
consumption basis. The Company also provides proprietary cloud services and solutions, which mainly include hardware, software licensing and
software installation service. Revenue related to cloud services provided on a subscription basis is recognized ratably over the contract period. Revenue
related to cloud services provided on a consumption basis, such as the amount of storage used in a period, is recognized based on the customer
utilization of such resources.
Cloud service revenue is recognized over time if one of the following three criteria is met: (i) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the
benefits as the Company performs; (ii) the Company’s performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created: (iii)
the asset delivered has no alternative use and the Company has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. Otherwise, revenue
is recognized at a point in time upon customer acceptance of the cloud services.
Sales of hardware
The Company sells hardware products via third party agents or directly to end customers. Revenue from the sales of hardware is recognized when
control of the goods is transferred to customers, which generally occurs when the products are delivered and accepted by the customers. Revenue is
recorded net of sales incentives and return allowance.
Financial services
The Company offered financial services which included provision of installment payment services to consumers and wealth management services to
third-party investors. Interest income earned from provision of financial services was reported as “Other revenues” and reported on a net basis after
deduction of related interest costs incurred. The Company recognized gross interest income of RMB3.3 billion and interest costs of RMB1.6 billion for
the year ended December 31, 2018. The financial services business was disposed of in August 2018 (Note 4).
Other revenue recognition related policies
For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, primarily for advertisements to be displayed in different spots, placed under different
forms and displayed at different times and proprietary cloud services, which mainly include hardware, software licensing and software installation
service, the Company would evaluate all of the performance obligations in the arrangement to determine whether each performance obligation is
distinct. Consideration is allocated to each performance obligation based on its standalone selling price at contract inception. The Company generally
determines standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers on a standalone basis or estimates it using an expected cost plus margin
approach. If a promised good or service does not meet the criteria to be considered distinct, it is combined with other promised goods or services until a
distinct bundle of goods or services exists.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. For certain services, customers are required to pay before the
services are delivered to the customer. When either party to a revenue contract has performed, the Company recognizes a contract asset or a contract
liability on the consolidated balance sheets, depending on the relationship between the entity’s performance and the customer’s payment.
Contract liabilities were mainly related to fees for membership services to be provided over the membership period, which were presented as “Customer
deposits and deferred revenue” on the consolidated balance sheets. Balances of contract liabilities were RMB6.1 billion and RMB6.7 billion (US$1.0
billion) as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 2020 that was included in
contract liabilities as of January 1, 2020 was RMB4.0 billion (US$618 million).
Contract assets mainly represent unbilled amounts mainly related to the Company’s rights to consideration for advertising services and cloud services
delivered and are included in “Other current assets, net” on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, contract assets were
RMB1.9 billion and RMB1.8 billion (US$273 million), net of an allowance for credit losses of RMB7 million and RMB27 million (US$4 million),
respectively.
The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and
(ii) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed.
The Company’s disaggregated revenue disclosures are presented in Note 24.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues consists primarily of traffic acquisition costs, bandwidth costs, depreciation, content costs, payroll, cost of hardware sold and related
costs of operations.
Traffic acquisition costs represent the amounts paid or payable to Baidu Union partners who direct search queries to the Company’s websites or
distribute the Company’s customers’ paid links through their properties. These payments are primarily based on revenue sharing arrangements under
which the Company pays its Baidu Union partners and other business partners a percentage of the fees it earns from its online marketing customers.
Advertising and Promotional Expenses
Advertising and promotional expenses, including advertisements through various forms of media and kinds of marketing and promotional activities, are
included in “Selling, general and administrative expense” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and are expensed when
incurred. Advertising and promotional expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 were RMB10.1 billion, RMB10.5 billion and
RMB8.4 billion (US$1.3 billion), respectively.
Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs. The Company expenses research and development costs as they are
incurred, except for (i) costs to develop internal-use software or add significant upgrades and enhancements resulting in additional functionality to
internal-use software that meet the capitalization criteria in accordance with ASC Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, Internal-Use
Software; and (ii) costs incurred to develop software to be sold/licensed or embedded in its products sold to
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
customers, which are capitalized once technology feasibility is established, which is when a completed detail program design of the product is available
in accordance with ASC 950-20, Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased or Marketed. Capitalized software development costs have not been material for
the periods presented.
Government Subsidies
Government subsidies primarily consist of financial subsidies received from provincial and local governments for operating a business in their
jurisdictions and compliance with specific policies promoted by the local governments. For certain government subsidies, there are no defined rules and
regulations to govern the criteria necessary for companies to receive such benefits, and the amount of financial subsidy is determined at the discretion of
the relevant government authorities. The government subsidies of non-operating nature with no further conditions to be met are recorded as
non-operating income in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) when received. The government subsidies with
certain operating conditions are recorded as “Deferred income” when received and is recognized as income in “Others, net” or as a reduction of specific
operating costs and expenses when the conditions are met for which the grants are intended to compensate.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes income taxes under the liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial reporting
and tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a
valuation allowance against the amount of deferred tax assets that it determines is not more-likely-than-not to be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of
a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.
Deferred income taxes are recognized on the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, which are presumed to be transferred to the parent company and are
subject to withholding taxes, unless there is sufficient evidence to show that the subsidiary has invested or will invest the undistributed earnings
indefinitely or that the earnings will be remitted in a tax-free liquidation.
The Company applies the provisions of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), in accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. ASC 740 clarifies
the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing the recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the
financial statements. The Company has elected to classify interest and penalties related to an uncertain tax position (if and when required) as part of
income tax expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Share-based Compensation
The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). The
Company has elected to recognize share-based compensation using the straight-line method for all share-based awards issued with no performance
conditions. For awards with performance conditions, compensation cost is recognized on an accelerated basis if it is probable that the performance
condition will be achieved.
Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience and are periodically reviewed. Cancellation of an award accompanied by the concurrent grant of
a replacement award is accounted for as a modification of the terms of the cancelled award (“modified awards”). The compensation costs associated
with the modified awards are recognized if either the original vesting condition or the new vesting condition is achieved. Total recognized
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
compensation cost for the awards is at least equal to the fair value of the awards at the grant date unless at the date of the modification the performance
or service conditions of the original awards are not expected to be satisfied. The incremental compensation cost is measured as the excess of the fair
value of the replacement award over the fair value of the cancelled award at the cancellation date. Therefore, in relation to the modified awards, the
Company recognizes share-based compensation over the vesting periods of the replacement award, which comprises, (i) the amortization of the
incremental portion of share-based compensation over the remaining vesting term and (ii) any unrecognized compensation cost of the original award,
using either the original term or the new term, whichever results in higher expenses for each reporting period.
The Company adopted ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment
Accounting to simplify the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees (“ASU 2018-07”) on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective
method. Subsequent to the adoption, the Company measures equity-classified nonemployee awards using their fair value on grant date. The impact of
adopting ASU 2018-07 was insignificant.
Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)
The Company computes earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary shares in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”), using
the two-class method. Under the provisions of ASC 260, basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares
outstanding during the period except that it does not include unvested ordinary shares subject to repurchase or cancellation. The Company’s outstanding
Class A and Class B ordinary shares were retroactively adjusted for the Share Subdivision as disclosed in Note 21. The Company adjusts for the
accretion of the redeemable noncontrolling interests in the calculation of income available to ordinary shareholders of the Company used in the earnings
per share calculation.
Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares and, if dilutive, potential ordinary shares outstanding
during the period. Potentially dilutive securities such as stock options, restricted shares and convertible senior notes have been excluded from the
computation of diluted net income per share if their inclusion is anti-dilutive. Potential ordinary shares consist of the incremental ordinary shares
issuable upon the exercise of stock options, restricted shares subject to forfeiture, and contracts that may be settled in the Company’s stock or cash. The
dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted shares is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method.
The computation of the diluted earnings per Class A ordinary share assumes the conversion of Class B ordinary shares to Class A ordinary shares, while
diluted earnings per Class B ordinary share does not assume the conversion of such shares. The Company adjusts for the securities issued by subsidiaries
and equity method investees in the calculation of income available to ordinary shareholders of the Company used in the diluted earnings per share
calculation.
The liquidation and dividend rights of the holders of the Company’s Class A and Class B ordinary shares are identical, except with respect to voting
rights. As a result, and in accordance with ASC 260, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights
of the Class A and Class B ordinary shares as if the earnings for the year had been distributed. As the liquidation and dividend rights are identical, the
undistributed earnings are allocated on a proportionate basis. Further, as the conversion of Class B ordinary shares is assumed in the computation of the
diluted earnings per Class A ordinary share, the undistributed earnings are equal to net income for that computation.
For the purposes of calculating the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary shares, the ordinary shares relating to the
options that were exercised are assumed to have been outstanding from the date of exercise of such options.
F-39
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Contingencies
The Company records accruals for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings or claims when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the
amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings or claims that could affect
the amount of any accrual, as well as any developments that would make a loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. The Company
discloses the amount of the accrual if it is material.
When a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, the Company does not record an accrued liability but discloses the nature and the amount
of the claim, if material. However, if the loss (or an additional loss in excess of the accrual) is at least reasonably possible, then the Company discloses
an estimate of the loss or range of loss, unless it is immaterial or an estimate cannot be made. The assessment of whether a loss is probable or reasonably
possible, and whether the loss or a range of loss is estimable, often involves complex judgments about future events. Management is often unable to
estimate the loss or a range of loss, particularly where (i) the damages sought are indeterminate, (ii) the proceedings are in the early stages, or (iii) there
is a lack of clear or consistent interpretation of laws specific to the industry-specific complaints among different jurisdictions. In such cases, there is
considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including eventual loss, fine, penalty or business impact, if any.
Concentration of Risks
Concentration of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents,
restricted cash, debt investments, accounts receivable, contract assets, receivables from online payment agencies and amounts due from related parties.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company has RMB172.7 billion (US$26.5 billion) in cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and debt investments,
90% and 10% of which are held by financial institutions in the PRC and international financial institutions outside of the PRC, respectively. The
Company’s total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and debt investments held at four financial institutions in the PRC exceeded 10%,
representing 30%, 21%, 16% and 11% of the Company’s total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and debt investments as of December 31, 2020,
respectively.
PRC state-owned banks, such as Bank of China, are subject to a series of risk control regulatory standards, and PRC bank regulatory authorities are
empowered to take over the operation and management when any of those banks faces a material credit crisis. The Company does not foresee substantial
credit risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments held at the PRC state-owned banks. Meanwhile, China
does not have an official deposit insurance program, nor does it have an agency similar to what was the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
in the U.S. In the event of bankruptcy of one of the financial institutions in which the Company has deposits or investments, it may be unlikely to claim
its deposits or investments back in full. The Company selected reputable international financial institutions with high rating rates to place its foreign
currencies. The Company regularly monitors the rating of the international financial institutions to avoid any potential defaults. There has been no recent
history of default in relation to these financial institutions.
Accounts receivable, contract assets, receivables from online payment agencies and amounts due from related parties are typically unsecured and
derived from revenue earned from customers and agents in China, which are exposed to credit risk. The risk is mitigated by credit evaluations the
Company performs on its customers and its ongoing monitoring process of outstanding balances. The Company maintains reserves for estimated credit
losses
F-40
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
and these losses have generally been within its expectations. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the Company had no single customer with a receivable
balance exceeding 10% of the total accounts receivable balance.
No customer or any Baidu Union partner generated greater than 10% of total revenues in any of the three years presented.
Amounts due from related parties are typically unsecured. In evaluating the collectability of the amounts due from related parties, the Company
considers many factors, including the related parties’ repayment history and their credit-worthiness. The Company maintains reserves for estimated
credit losses and these losses have generally been within its expectations
Business and economic risks
The Company participates in the dynamic and competitive high technology industry and believes that changes in any of the following areas could have a
material adverse effect on the Company’s future financial position, results of operations and cash flows: changes in the overall demand for services and
products; changes in business offerings; competitive pressures due to existing and new entrants; advances and new trends in new technologies and
industry standards; changes in bandwidth suppliers; changes in certain strategic relationships or customer relationships; regulatory considerations;
copyright regulations; brand maintenance and enhancement; risks associated with the Company’s ability to attract and retain employees necessary to
support its growth and risks related to outbreaks of epidemics, such as COVID-19.
The Company’s operations could be adversely affected by significant political, economic and social uncertainties, epidemic and trade war disruptions in
the PRC.
Currency convertibility risk
Substantially all of the Company’s businesses are transacted in RMB, which is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. All foreign exchange
transactions take place either through Bank of China or other banks authorized to buy and sell foreign currencies at the exchange rates quoted by the
People’s Bank of China. Foreign exchange transactions, including foreign currency payments, require the approval of the People’s Bank of China and/or
regulatory institutions.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
The functional currency and the reporting currency of the Company are the USD and the RMB, respectively. The Company’s exposure to foreign
currency exchange rate risk primarily relates to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, long-term investments, accounts and
notes payable and convertible senior notes denominated in the USD. On June 19, 2010, the People’s Bank of China announced the end of the RMB’s de
facto peg to the USD, a policy which was instituted in late 2008 in the face of the global financial crisis, to further reform the RMB exchange rate
regime and to enhance the RMB’s exchange rate flexibility. On March 15, 2014, the People’s Bank of China announced the widening of the daily trading
band for RMB against USD. The depreciation of the USD against the RMB was approximately 6.27% in 2020. Most of the revenues and costs of the
Company are denominated in RMB, while a portion of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, long-term investments, notes
payable and convertible senior notes are denominated in the USD. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may
impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future. Any significant fluctuation of the valuation of RMB may materially
affect the Company’s cash flows, revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, the ADS in USD.
F-41
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Derivative Instruments
ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), requires all contracts which meet the definition of a derivative to be recognized on the balance
sheet as either assets or liabilities and recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized
periodically in earnings or in other comprehensive income (loss) depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting.
Changes in fair values of derivatives not qualified as hedges are reported in earnings.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-01, Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures
(Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)—Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815 (a consensus of the
FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2020-01”), which clarifies the interactions of the accounting for certain equity securities under ASC 321,
investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting in ASC 323, and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options
accounted for under ASC 815. ASU 2020-01 could change how an entity accounts for (i) an equity security under the measurement alternative and (ii) a
forward contract or purchased option to purchase securities that, upon settlement of the forward contract or exercise of the purchased option, would be
accounted for under the equity method of accounting or the fair value option in accordance with ASC 825. These amendments improve current U.S.
GAAP by reducing diversity in practice and increasing comparability of the accounting for these interactions. The new guidance is effective for fiscal
years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 31, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently in the
process of evaluating the of adopting ASU 2020-01 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosure.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU
2020-06”), which focuses on amending the legacy guidance on convertible instruments and the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s
own equity. ASU 2020-06 simplifies an issuer’s accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models that require
separate accounting for embedded conversion features. ASU 2020-06 also simplifies the settlement assessment that entities are required to perform to
determine whether a contract qualifies for equity classification. Further, ASU 2020-06 enhances information transparency by making targeted
improvements to the disclosures for convertible instruments and earnings-per-share (EPS) guidance, i.e., aligning the diluted EPS calculation for
convertible instruments by requiring that an entity use the if-converted method and that the effect of potential share settlement be included in the diluted
EPS calculation when an instrument may be settled in cash or shares, adding information about events or conditions that occur during the reporting
period that cause conversion contingencies to be met or conversion terms to be significantly changed. This update will be effective for the Company’s
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities can elect to adopt the new guidance through either a modified
retrospective method of transition or a fully retrospective method of transition. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of
adopting ASU 2020-06 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosure.
3.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Business combinations in 2018:
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company completed several business combinations, to complement its existing businesses and achieve
synergies. The acquired entities individually and in aggregate
F-42
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
were insignificant. Results of the acquired entities’ operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the
acquisition dates.
Purchase consideration
Net assets acquired, excluding intangible assets and the related deferred tax liabilities
Intangible assets, net
Deferred tax liabilities
Pre-existing equity interests
Noncontrolling interests
Redeemable non-controlling interests (Note 19)
Goodwill
RMB
(In millions)
2,378
1,545
1,424
(292)
(1,651)
(1,312)
(698)
3,362
2,378
The aggregate purchase price allocation includes acquisition of certain acquirees, which were equity method investees of the Company prior to the
acquisitions. In aggregate, a re-measurement gain relating to the Company’s pre-existing equity interest of RMB630 million was recognized during the
year ended December 31, 2018. The Company applied the equity method of accounting by recognizing its share of the profit or loss in these equity
method investees up to their respective dates of acquisition.
Goodwill, which is non-deductible for tax purposes, is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to be achieved from the acquisitions.
Neither the results of operations since the acquisition dates nor the pro forma results of operations of the acquirees were presented because the effects of
these business combinations, individually and in the aggregate, were not significant to the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
F-43
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Business combinations in 2019:
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company completed several business combinations, total purchase consideration in aggregate was
RMB1.2 billion, among which RMB978 million was allocated to goodwill. The Company expects to achieve significant synergies from such
acquisitions which it plans to complement its existing businesses. The acquired entities were considered insignificant, both individually and in
aggregate. Results of the acquired entities’ operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date.
Purchase consideration
Net assets acquired, excluding intangible assets and the related deferred tax liabilities
Intangible assets, net
Deferred tax liabilities
Noncontrolling interests
Redeemable non-controlling interests (Note 19)
Goodwill
RMB
(In millions)
1,168
229
543
(134)
(266)
(182)
978
1,168
Goodwill, which is non-deductible for tax purposes, is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to be achieved from the acquisitions.
Neither the results of operations since the acquisition dates nor the pro forma results of operations of the acquirees were presented because the effects of
these business combinations, individually and in the aggregate, were not significant to the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
Business combinations in 2020:
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company completed several business combinations, total purchase consideration in aggregate was
RMB3.5 billion (US$536 million), among which RMB4.0 billion (US$613 million) was allocated to goodwill. The Company expects to achieve
significant synergies from such acquisitions which it plans to complement its existing businesses. The acquired entities were considered insignificant,
both individually and in aggregate. Results of the acquired entities’ operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements
since the acquisition date.
Purchase consideration
Net assets acquired, excluding intangible assets and the related deferred tax liabilities
Intangible assets, net
Deferred tax liabilities
Pre-existing equity interests and debt investment
Noncontrolling interests
Goodwill
F-44
RMB
US$
(In millions)
3,499 536
1,515 231
1,116 171
(229) (35)
(2,103) (322)
(798) (122)
3,998 613
3,499 536
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The Company’s pre-existing equity interests in the acquired entities were remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date. For the year ended
December 31, 2020, the Company recognized a net re-measurement gain of RMB123 million (US$19 million) in “Others, net” in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income.
Goodwill, which is non-deductible for tax purposes, is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to be achieved from the acquisitions.
Neither the results of operations since the acquisition dates nor the pro forma results of operations of the acquirees were presented because the effects of
these business combinations, both individually and in aggregate, were not significant to the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
The valuations used in the purchase price allocation described above were determined by the Company with the assistance of independent third-party
valuation firm. The valuation reports considered generally accepted valuation methodologies such as the income, market and cost approaches. As the
acquirees are all private companies, the fair value estimates of pre-existing equity interests and debt investment or noncontrolling interests are based on
significant inputs considered by market participants which mainly include (a) discount rate, (b) projected terminal value based on future cash flows,
(c) equity multiples or enterprise value multiples of companies in the same industries and (d) adjustment for lack of control or lack of marketability.
4.
INVESTMENTS
Short-term Investments
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the Company’s short-term investments comprised of only debt securities. Short-term held-to-maturity securities
were mainly deposits in commercial banks with maturities less than one year and wealth management products issued by commercial banks and other
financial institutions for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold those securities to maturity. The short-term available-for-sale
securities include wealth management products issued by commercial banks and other financial institutions which are not classified as trading securities
or as held-to-maturity securities.
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Company recorded interest income from its short-term investments of RMB3.9 billion,
RMB5.4 billion and RMB4.7 billion (US$728 million) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), respectively.
F-45
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Short-term investments classification as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 were shown as below:
As of December 31, 2019
Cost or
Amortized
cost
RMB
107,287
5,440
Gross
unrecognized
holding
gains
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding
losses
RMB
Gross
unrealized
gains
RMB
Gross
unrealized
losses
RMB
Fair value
RMB
367
—
(In millions)
—
—
—
197
—
—
107,654
5,637
Cost or
Amortized
cost
RMB
123,537
2,862
As of December 31, 2020
Gross
unrecognized
holding
gains
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding
losses
RMB
Gross
unrealized
gains
RMB
Gross
unrealized
losses
RMB
(In millions)
Fair value
RMB
US$
595
—
—
—
—
3
—
—
124,132
2,865
19,024
439
Held-to-maturity debt investments
Available-for-sale debt investments
Held-to-maturity debt investments
Available-for-sale debt investments
Long-term Investments
The following table sets forth a breakdown of the categories of long-term investments held by the Company as of the dates indicated:
As of December 31,
2020
2019
Equity investments at fair value with readily determinable fair value
Available-for-sale debt investment
Equity investments without readily determinable fair value
Equity method investments
Investments accounted for at fair value
Long-term held-to-maturity investments
Total long-term investments
Equity investments at fair value with readily determinable fair value
2020
US$
RMB RMB
(In millions)
11,334 12,978 1,989
400
3,970 2,607
24,686 24,603 3,770
27,105 24,067 3,688
343
1,819 2,238
496 9,740 1,493
69,410 76,233 11,683
Equity investments at fair value with readily determinable fair value represent investments in the equity securities of publicly listed companies, for
which the Company does not have significant influence.
In 2017, the Company acquired equity interests in China United Network Communication Limited (“China Unicom”), a listed telecommunications
company in China for cash consideration of RMB7.0 billion. The China Unicom investment was held by a non-wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company. As the China Unicom investment was subject to a three-year holding requirement, it was accounted for using the measurement alternative in
2018 and as an equity investment with readily determinable fair value in 2019 as the holding restrictions terminate within one year. In 2020, the
Company partially disposed its investment in China Unicom for RMB2.7 billion, which was subsequently distributed to the noncontrolling shareholder
in January 2021.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Equity investments without readily determinable fair value
In accordance with ASC 321, the Company elected to use the measurement alternative to measure such investments at cost, less any impairment, plus or
minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, if any. Impairment
charges recognized on equity investments without readily determinable fair value was RMB455 million, RMB778 million and RMB2.3 billion (US$354
million) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
The total carrying value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value held as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 were as follows:
Initial cost basis
Cumulative unrealized gains
Cumulative unrealized losses (including impairment)
Total carrying value
As of
December 31,
2019
RMB
21,211
5,636
(2,161)
24,686
As of
December 31,
2020
RMB
(In millions)
19,725
8,113
(3,235)
24,603
As of
December 31,
2020
US$
3,023
1,243
(496)
3,770
Total unrealized and realized gains and losses of equity securities without readily determinable fair values in 2018, 2019 and 2020 were as follows:
Gross unrealized gains
Gross unrealized losses (including impairment)(i)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities held
Net realized gains on equity securities sold
Total net gains recognized
For the years ended
December 31,
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2020
US$
2018
RMB
(In millions)
7,119 1,447 4,396 674
(2,867) (1,641) (2,679) (411)
(194) 1,717 263
4,252
266 41
211
124
17 1,983 304
4,376
(i)
Gross unrealized losses (downward adjustments excluding impairment) were RMB2.4 billion, RMB863 million and RMB378 million (US$58
million) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Equity method investments
The carrying amounts of the Company’s equity method investments were RMB27.1 billion and RMB24.1 billion (US$ 3.7 billion) as of December 31,
2019 and 2020, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the impairment recognized for equity method investments were
RMB167 million, RMB9.2 billion and RMB297 million (US$ 46 million), respectively.
F-47
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Equity Investment in Trip.com International, Ltd. (“Trip”) (formally known as Ctrip)
As of December 31, 2018, the Company held approximately 19% of Trip’s outstanding shares. The Company was considered to have significant
influence over Trip and accounts for such investment as an equity method investment in accordance with ASC 323.
During 2019, the market value of Trip had significantly declined and remained below the carrying value of the investment for a prolonged period of
time. Therefore, the Company concluded that the decline in market value of the investment in Trip was other-than-temporary as of September 30, 2019
and an impairment charge of RMB8.9 billion was recorded in the third quarter of 2019. The Company made a corresponding RMB8.9 billion downward
adjustment to the equity method goodwill arising from its acquisition of the Trip investment.
In October 2019, the Company disposed an aggregate of 36 million American Depositary Shares of Trip for cash consideration of US$988 million and
recognized a disposal loss of RMB43 million in the year ended December 31, 2019.
After the partial disposal of the investment in Trip the Company held approximately 12% equity interest in Trip, and the Company can actively
participate in the operating and financing policies of Trip through its two seats on Trip’s board of directors with a total of nine members. Accordingly,
the Company continues to have significant influence over Trip and accounts for its remaining investment as an equity method investment in accordance
with ASC 323. As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s investments in Trip had a fair value of RMB15.2 billion (US$2.3 billion), based on the closing
share price.
The following tables set forth the summarized financial information of Trip:
As of September 30, (i)
2020
RMB
2019(ii)
RMB
2020
US$
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Noncontrolling interests
Total revenues
Gross profit
Income (loss) from operations
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) attributable to the investees
(In millions)
75,578 65,782 10,082
127,505 132,417 20,294
74,118 61,360 9,404
25,134 36,558 5,603
240
2,047
1,566
For the twelve months ended
September 30, (i)
2020
2019(ii)
2018(ii)
RMB RMB RMB
2020
US$
(In millions)
29,944 34,958 21,704 3,326
24,019 27,627 16,838 2,581
(127)
(827)
3,302 4,271
(343)
2,807 3,764 (2,236)
(344)
2,806 3,813 (2,243)
The Company adopted a one-quarter lag in reporting its share of equity income (loss) in Trip.
(i)
(ii) Trip adopted ASC 606, on a fully retrospective basis, and ASC 321 (collectively “new standards”) from January 1, 2018. The impact of the new
standards on the Company’s financial statements was immaterial, and prior period financial information of Trip was not restated.
F-48
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Disposal of financial services business
In April 2018, the Company entered into definitive agreements relating to the disposal of its wholly-owned financial services business, which provided
consumer credit, wealth management and other financial services. To facilitate the divesture, the Company conducted a series of legal restructuring and
recapitalization of entities conducting the financial services business (“Du Xiaoman”), which were accounted for as transactions under common control.
In August 2018, Du Xiaoman issued preferred shares to third-party investors, which resulted in the Company becoming a minority shareholder of Du
Xiaoman. Accordingly, Du Xiaoman was deconsolidated from the Group and a disposal gain of RMB5.5 billion was recognized in “Others, net”
including RMB4.2 billion relates to the re-measurement of the Company’s retained equity interest in Du Xiaoman. The disposal of Du Xiaoman did not
meet the definition of a discontinued operation per ASC Subtopic 205-20, Presentation of Financial Statements—Discontinued Operations, as the
divesture did not represent a shift in strategy nor had a major impact to the Group’s operation and financial results.
The Company retained an equity interest of 41% on a fully diluted basis, and accounted for Du Xiaoman as an equity method investment in accordance
with ASC 323, as it retained significant influence over Du Xiaoman. The carrying amount of the Du Xiaoman investment in excess of the Company’s
proportionate interest in Du Xiaoman was recognized as equity method goodwill of RMB3.5 billion, intangible assets of RMB851 million and related
deferred tax liabilities of RMB213 million.
Deconsolidation of one of the Company’s subsidiaries
In December 2019, the Company lost control and therefore deconsolidated one of its subsidiaries. A non-cash disposal loss of RMB801 million was
recognized in “Others, net” in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company
continued to have significant influence over the entity and accounted for its remaining equity interest in the entity as an equity-method investment in
accordance with ASC 323.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, in addition to the aforementioned equity method investments, the Company held other equity method investments
through its subsidiaries or VIEs and over which had significant influence.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, equity method investments excluding Trip held by the Company in aggregate have met the significance criteria
as defined under Rule 4-08(g) of Regulation S-X. Financial information for the Company’s equity method investments other than Trip are summarized
as a group as follow:
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Noncontrolling interests
F-49
As of September 30,
2020
2019
2020
US$
RMB RMB
(In millions)
86,713 96,713 14,822
18,980 15,094 2,313
65,450 73,842 11,317
850
8,677 5,545
242
1,498 1,577
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Total revenues
Gross profit
Loss from operations
Net loss
Net loss attributable to the investees
For the twelve
months ended September 30, (i)
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2020
US$
(In millions)
4,633 12,598 13,981 2,143
916 6,247 5,083 779
(680) (1,282) (196)
(418)
(832) (128)
(638)
(372)
(891) (137)
(933)
(352)
(i)
The Company adopted a one-quarter lag in reporting its share of losses in all of its equity investees.
Investments accounted for at fair value
Long-term equity investments in unlisted companies held by consolidated investment companies are accounted for at fair value in accordance with ASC
946-320. These investments are carried at fair value with realized or unrealized gains and losses recorded in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements
of comprehensive income (loss).
The methodology used in the determination of fair values for held-to-maturity debt investments, available-for-sale debt investments, equity investments
with readily determinable fair values and other investment securities accounted for at fair value are disclosed in Note 25.
Long-term investments classification, excluding equity method investments and equity investments without readily determinable fair value, as of
December 31, 2019 and 2020 are shown as below:
Equity investments at fair value with readily
determinable fair value
Available-for-sale debt investments
Investments accounted for at fair value
Cost or
Amortized cost
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding gains
RMB
As of December 31, 2019
Gross
Gross
unrealized
unrecognized
holding losses
gains
RMB
RMB
(In millions)
Gross
unrealized
losses
RMB
Fair value
RMB
11,769
3,913
1,309
—
—
—
F-50
—
—
—
2,195
138
597
(2,630)
(81)
(87)
11,334
3,970
1,819
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Cost or
Amortized cost
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding gains
RMB
As of December 31, 2020
Gross
unrecognized
holding losses
RMB
Gross
unrealized
gains
RMB
(In millions)
Gross
unrealized
losses
RMB
Fair value
RMB
US$
8,419
2,804
1,580
—
—
—
—
—
—
7,342
166
885
(2,783)
(363)
(227)
12,978
2,607
2,238
1,989
400
343
Equity investments at fair value with readily
determinable fair value
Available-for-sale debt investments
Investments accounted for at fair value
Long-term held-to-maturity investments
Long-term held-to-maturity securities were mainly deposits in commercial banks with maturities of greater than one year and wealth management
products issued by commercial banks and other financial institutions for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold those securities to
maturity.
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Company recorded interest income from its long-term held-to-maturity investments of
nil, RMB2 million and RMB118 million (US$18 million) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), respectively.
Long-term held-to-maturity investments classification as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 were shown as below:
As of December 31, 2019
Cost or
Amortized
cost
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding gains
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding
losses
RMB
Gross
unrealized
gains
RMB
Gross
unrealized
losses
RMB
Fair
value
RMB
Long-term held-to-maturity investments
496
—
(In millions)
(5)
—
—
491
As of December 31, 2020
Cost or
Amortized
cost
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding gains
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding
losses
RMB
Gross
unrealized
gains
RMB
Gross
unrealized
losses
RMB
(In millions)
Fair value
RMB
US$
Long-term held-to-maturity investments
9,740
14
—
—
—
9,754
1,495
F-51
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The following table summarizes amortized cost of long-term held-to-maturity investments with stated contractual dates, classified by the contractual
maturity date of the investments:
Due in 1 year
Due in 1 year through 2 years
Due in 2 years through 3 years
Total
As of December 31,
2019 2020 2020
RMB RMB US$
(In millions)
— — —
496 9,690 1,485
—
8
496 9,740 1,493
50
Available-for-sale debt investments are convertible debt instruments issued by private companies and an investment in preferred shares that is
redeemable at the Company’s option, which are measured at fair value. Investments in preferred shares that are redeemable at the Company’s option
have no contractual maturity date.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of available-for-sale debt investments with stated contractual dates, classified by the contractual
maturity date of the investments:
Due in 1 year
Due in 1 year through 5 years
Due in 5 years through 10 years
Not due at a single maturity date
Total
F-52
As of December 31,
2019 2020 2020
RMB RMB US$
(In millions)
505 — —
10 1,587 244
1,486 — —
1,969 1,020 156
3,970 2,607 400
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
5.
LICENSED COPYRIGHTS, NET
Licensed copyrights
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Less: current portion:
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Licensed copyrights—non-current
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Licensed copyrights
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Less: current portion:
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Licensed copyrights—non-current
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Gross
carrying
value
RMB
32,038
4,633
36,671
11,751
4,633
16,384
20,287
—
20,287
As of December 31, 2019
Accumulated
amortization
RMB
Impairment
amount
RMB
(In millions)
Net carrying
value
RMB
(24,501)
(4,633)
(29,134)
(10,501)
(4,633)
(15,134)
(14,000)
—
(14,000)
(25)
—
(25)
(25)
—
(25)
—
—
—
7,512
—
7,512
1,225
—
1,225
6,287
—
6,287
Gross carrying
value
RMB
As of December 31, 2020
Impairment
amount
RMB
Accumulated
amortization
RMB
(In millions)
Net carrying value
US$
RMB
37,511
5,963
43,474
8,661
5,963
14,624
28,850
—
28,850
(29,688)
(5,963)
(35,651)
(7,592)
(5,963)
(13,555)
(22,096)
—
(22,096)
(353)
—
(353)
7,470
—
7,470
1,145
—
1,145
(34)
—
(34)
1,035
—
1,035
159
—
159
(319)
—
(319)
6,435
—
6,435
986
—
986
F-53
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Amortization expense of RMB12.1 billion, RMB12.7 billion and RMB11.5 billion (US$1.8 billion) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and
2020, respectively, was recognized as cost of revenues. Estimated amortization expense relating to the existing licensed copyrights for each of the next
three years is as follow:
Within 1 year
Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 3 years
RMB US$
(In millions)
3,681 564
1,351 207
804 123
To supplement cash flow disclosure of investing activities in 2018 and 2019, acquisition of licensed copyrights included in current liabilities for the
years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 amounted to RMB6.3 billion and RMB5.5 billion, respectively. Acquisition of licensed copyrights from
nonmonetary content exchanges for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 amounted to RMB642 million and RMB968 million, respectively.
6.
PRODUCED CONTENT, NET
Released, less amortization
In production
In development
Released, less amortization and impairment
—Predominantly monetized with other content assets
—Predominantly monetized on its own
In production, less impairment
—Predominantly monetized with other content assets
—Predominantly monetized on its own
In development, less impairment
—Predominantly monetized with other content assets
—Predominantly monetized on its own
Total
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
(In millions)
892
3,075
388
4,355
2020
As of December 31,
2020
RMB US$
(In millions)
1,857
78
1,935
3,742
82
3,824
285
12
297
573
13
586
102
666
20
131
797
122
6,556 1,005
Amortization expense of RMB3,024 million (US$463 million) and RMB1,095 million (US$168 million) was recognized as cost of revenues in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2020, for produced content predominantly monetized with
other content assets and for produced
F-54
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
content predominantly monetized on its own, respectively. Amortization expense for produced content was RMB2,266 million RMB2,977 million for
the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Estimated amortization expense relating to the existing produced content for each of the next
three years is as follows:
Due in 1 year
Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 3 years
7.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable
Allowance for credit losses
RMB US$
(In millions)
127
827
45
296
30
197
2020
US$
2019
RMB
As of December 31,
2020
RMB
(In millions)
8,344 9,988 1,530
(928) (1,320) (202)
7,416 8,668 1,328
The movements in the allowance for credit losses were as follows:
Balance as of January 1
Adoption of ASU 2016-13
Amounts charged to expenses
Amounts written off
Balance as of December 31
F-55
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2020
US$
(In millions)
316 599 928 142
— — 119 18
299 331 455 70
(16)
(2) (182) (28)
599 928 1,320 202
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
8.
OTHER ASSETS
Prepaid expenses
Advances to suppliers
Receivables from online payment agencies
Deposits
Prepaid licensed copyrights
Contract assets, net (i)
VAT prepayments
Income tax prepayments
Others
Total other current assets
Long-term prepaid expenses
Others
Total other non-current assets
As of December 31,
2020
2019
2020
RMB RMB US$
(In millions)
170
955 1,109
161
964 1,053
67
585
440
67
437
787
159
1,225 1,035
269
1,876 1,755
271
1,605 1,768
20
130
499
693 3,279
503
9,189 11,006 1,687
473
4,176 3,084
54
364
276
527
4,452 3,448
(i)
The allowance for credit losses on contract assets was RMB7 million and RMB27 million (US$4 million) as of December 31, 2019 and
December 31, 2020, respectively. The amounts charged to expenses for credit losses of contract assets and write-offs charged against the
allowance were RMB9 million (US$1 million) and nil, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020. The effect of adopting ASU 2016-13
was RMB11 million (US$2 million ) to the opening balance of contract assets, net.
9.
FIXED ASSETS
Computer equipment
Office building
Office building related facility, machinery and equipment
Vehicles
Office equipment
Leasehold improvements
Construction in progress
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
F-56
2020
US$
2019
RMB
As of December 31,
2020
RMB
(In millions)
29,592 33,150 5,080
720
374
31
149
59
70
38,388 42,304 6,483
(20,077) (24,796) (3,800)
18,311 17,508 2,683
4,697
2,442
204
971
386
454
4,628
2,317
203
944
391
313
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Depreciation expense, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, was RMB3.7 billion, RMB5.6 billion and RMB5.7 billion (US$869
million), respectively. Impairment charges on fixed assets for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 were not material.
10. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The Company had two reporting units, Baidu Core and iQIYI, as of December 31, 2019 and 2020.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for each reporting unit from 2019 to 2020 was as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2018
Goodwill acquired (Note 3)
Goodwill disposed(i)
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2019
Goodwill acquired (Note 3)
Balance at December 31, 2020
Balance at December 31, 2020, in US$
Baidu Core
RMB
iQIYI
RMB
(In millions)
14,648
978
(1,265)
1
14,362
3,998
18,360
3,888
—
—
—
3,888
—
3,888
Total
RMB
18,536
978
(1,265)
1
18,250
3,998
22,248
2,814
596
3,410
(i)
Disposition during the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily related to the deconsolidation of a subsidiary (Note 4).
Intangible Assets
Trademarks
Technology
Intellectual property right
Online literature
Others
Gross carrying
value
RMB
Accumulated
impairment
RMB
Accumulated
amortization
RMB
Net carrying
value
RMB
As of December 31, 2019
(In millions)
658
456
1548
163
805
3,630
F-57
(2)
(52)
(355)
—
(19)
(428)
(182)
(188)
(594)
(40)
(598)
(1,602)
474
216
599
123
188
1,600
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Trademarks
Technology
Intellectual property right
Online literature
Others
Gross carrying
value
RMB
Accumulated
impairment
RMB
As of December 31, 2020
Accumulated
amortization
RMB
(In millions)
Net carrying
value
RMB
Net carrying
value
US$
1,054
1,087
1,599
151
899
4,790
(238)
(52)
(467)
—
(19)
(776)
(205)
(307)
(757)
(54)
(669)
(1,992)
611
728
375
97
211
2,022
94
112
57
15
32
310
The carrying amounts of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives were insignificant as of December 31, 2019 and 2020.
The Company recognized impairment losses on intangible assets of RMB5 million, RMB406 million and RMB350 million (US$54 million) for the
years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Impairment losses on intangible assets are recorded in cost of revenues.
Amortization expense of intangible assets were RMB385 million, RMB661 million and RMB544 million (US$83 million), for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Estimated amortization expense relating to the existing intangible assets with finite lives for each of the next five years is as follow:
For the years ending December 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
F-58
RMB
US$
(In millions)
505
448
375
337
235
77
69
57
52
36
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
11. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued other operating expenses
Content acquisition costs
Tax payable
Accrued payroll and welfare
Payable to noncontrolling interest shareholders
Traffic acquisition costs
Bandwidth costs
Accruals for purchases of fixed assets
Funds collected on behalf of service providers
Interest payable
Payable to merchants
Users’ and third party agents’ deposits
Others
As of December 31,
2020
RMB
2019
RMB
(In millions)
8,925
7,267
3,115
2,407
240
2,772
2,492
1,220
498
310
310
641
2,504
32,701
8,301
6,734
3,779
3,508
3,466
2,467
1,985
1,270
523
487
307
268
3,621
36,716
2020
US$
1,272
1,032
579
538
531
378
304
195
80
75
47
41
555
5,627
12. LOANS PAYABLE
Short-term Loans
Short-term loans as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 amounted to RMB2.6 billion and RMB3.0 billion (US$462 million), respectively, which consisted
of RMB denominated borrowings by the Company’s subsidiaries from financial institutions in the PRC and were repayable within one year.
As of December 31, 2019, and 2020, the repayments of primarily all of the short-term loans are guaranteed by subsidiaries of iQIYI and either
collateralized by an office building of one of iQIYI’s VIEs with a carrying amount of RMB562 million and RMB548 million (US$84 million)
respectively, or restricted cash balances totaling US$139 million and US$4 million (equivalent to RMB23 million), respectively, or other receivables
totaling nil and US$5 million (equivalent to RMB35 million), respectively.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the weighted average interest rates for the outstanding borrowings were approximately 4.05% and 4.30%,
respectively, and the aggregate amounts of unused lines of credit for short-term loans were RMB1.6 billion and RMB840 million (US$129 million),
respectively.
Structured payable arrangements
In 2020, iQIYI entered into structured payable arrangements with banks or other financial institutions (“factoring arrangements”), which extended the
original payment terms. Under the factoring arrangements, the suppliers’ receivables collection process was accelerated through selling its receivables
from iQIYI to the banks or other financial institutions at a discount. iQIYI was legally obligated to pay the banks or other financial institutions in the
amount totaling RMB396 (US$61 million), maturing within one year.
As a result of the factoring arrangements, the payment terms of the iQIYI’s original accounts payables were substantially modified and considered
extinguished as the nature of the original liability has changed from
F-59
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
accounts payables to loan borrowings from banks or other financial institutions. The proceeds from borrowings from banks or other financial institutions
is a financing activity and is reported as “Proceeds from short-term loans” on the consolidated statements of cash flows. As of December 31, 2020, the
outstanding borrowings from the factoring arrangements were RMB390 million (US$60 million), which is repayable within one year and are included in
“Short-term loans” on the consolidated balance sheet.
Long-term Loans
Baidu
In June 2016, the Company entered into a five-year term revolving facility agreement with a group of 21 syndicated bankers, pursuant to which the
Company is entitled to borrow an unsecured USD denominated floating rate loan of US$1.0 billion with a term of five years and to borrow an unsecured
USD denominated revolving loan of US$1.0 billion for five years. The facility was priced at 110 basis points over LIBOR and is intended for the
general working capital of the Company. In June 2016, the Company drew down two tranches of US$250 million each under the facility commitment. In
November 2016, the Company drew down two tranches of US$250 million each under the facility commitment. In connection with the facility
agreements, the Company entered into four interest rate swap agreements, pursuant to which the loans would be settled with a fixed annual interest rate
of 2.11%, 2.10%, 2.78% and 2.78% respectively, during the respective term of the loans.
The total outstanding borrowings were RMB7.0 billion and RMB6.5 billion (US$ 1.0 billion), which was classified as Long-term loans as of
December 31, 2019 and reclassified to Long-term loans, current portion” as of December 31, 2020.
The interest rate swap agreements met the definition of a derivative in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The
derivatives related to the interest rate swap agreements are accounted at fair value and included in “Other non-current assets” on the consolidated
balance sheets.
iQIYI
In 2017, iQIYI borrowed a secured RMB denominated loan of RMB299 million with an interest rate of 4.47% for a three-year term from the Bank of
China for its general working capital purposes. Pursuant to the agreement,
the principal shall be repaid by installments from 2017 to 2020. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the repayment of the loan is guaranteed by a
subsidiary of iQIYI and collateralized by an office building of one of iQIYI’s VIEs with a carrying amount of RMB562 million and RMB548 million
(US$84 million), respectively. Principal repayments were made on the loan when they became due and amounted to RMB10 million and
RMB274 million (US$42 million) for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The loan was fully repaid as of December 31, 2020.
In September 2019, iQIYI entered into a two-year loan agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., pursuant to which iQIYI is entitled to borrow a
secured RMB denominated loan of RMB800 million for the general working capital of iQIYI. In 2019, iQIYI drew down RMB448 million with an
interest rate of 3.55%. Pursuant to the agreement, the principal shall be repaid in installments from 2019 to 2021. As of December 31, 2019 and
December 31, 2020, the repayment of the loan was collateralized by long-term held-to-maturity debt securities with a stated cost of US$71 million and
US$71 million (equivalent to RMB463 million), respectively. Principal repayments were made on the loan when they became due and amounted to
RMB3 million and RMB34 million (US$5 million) for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The amount repayable within the
next twelve months are classified as “Long-term loans, current portion”.
F-60
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
In December 2018, iQIYI entered into a series of transactions (“reverse factoring arrangement”) in order to re-finance certain payables due to its
suppliers. In the reverse factoring arrangement, iQIYI’s suppliers sold certain 2018 receivables due from iQIYI (the “2018 factored receivables”) to the
financial institutions at a discount. The 2018 factored receivables were transferred to a securitization vehicle and used to securitize debt securities issued
to third-party investors for gross proceeds of RMB446 million. Concurrently, iQIYI also entered into an agreement with the financial institutions to
extend the repayment of the underlying payables to mirror the repayment terms for the asset-back debt securities with maturities in December 2019 and
December 2020. Under such arrangement, the payable obligation between iQIYI and the suppliers was considered settled and iQIYI was legally
obligated to pay the financial institutions thereafter. As the 2018 factored receivables were sold to the financial institutions and used to securitize the
debt securities, the factored receivables are viewed as collateral for raising loans through the issuance of 2018 asset-backed debt securities. The
borrowings have an effective interest rate of 7.00%.
In November 2019, the Company entered into a similar reverse factoring arrangement whereby iQIYI’s suppliers sold certain 2019 receivables due from
iQIYI (the “2019 factored receivables”) amounting to RMB587 million to the financial institutions at a discount. The 2019 factored receivables were
transferred to a securitization vehicle and used to securitize debt securities issued to third-party investors for gross proceeds of RMB500 million.
Concurrently, iQIYI also entered into an agreement with the financial institutions to extend the repayment of the underlying payables to mirror the
repayment terms for the 2019 asset-back debt securities which mature in November 2021. The borrowings have an effective interest rate of 5.97%.
The securitization vehicle was designed by iQIYI with the sole purpose to acquire receivable balances from iQIYI’s suppliers in order to securitize the
senior asset-backed securities with guaranteed returns ranging from 5.0% to 5.5% sold to third-party investors. iQIYI has a variable interest in the
securitization vehicle through its interest in the subordinated asset-backed securities issued by the securitization vehicle which bear the residual loss. As
a result, iQIYI considers itself the primary beneficiary and consolidates the securitization vehicle given iQIYI has (i) the power to govern the activities
that most significantly impact its economic performance, and (ii) is obligated to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the securitization
vehicle.
As a result of the series of transactions described above, the payment terms of iQIYI’s original trade payables were substantially modified and
considered extinguished as the nature of the original liability has changed from that of a trade payable to loan borrowings from third-party investors
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the outstanding borrowings as a result of the reverse factoring arrangements were RMB898 million and
RMB498 million (US$76 million), respectively. RMB75 million and RMB371 million (US$57 million) of 2018 asset-backed debt securities were repaid
when they became due in December 2019 and December 2020, respectively. RMB30 million (US$5 million) of 2019 asset-backed debt securities was
repaid when it became due in October 2020. RMB498 million (US$76 million) of asset-backed debt securities is repayable within one year and are
included in “Long-term loans, current portion”.
F-61
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
13. NOTES PAYABLE
Baidu, Inc.
The Company issued and publicly sold unsecured senior notes, and the details of the tranches are shown below:
2022 Ten-year Notes
2019 Notes
2020 Notes
2025 Ten-year Notes
2022 Five-year Notes
2027 Notes
2023 Notes
2028 March Notes
2024 Notes
2024 Notes
2028 November Notes
2025 Five-year Notes
2030 April Notes
2026 Notes
2030 October Notes
Issue date
November 28, 2012
June 9, 2014
June 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
July 6, 2017
July 6, 2017
March 29, 2018
March 29, 2018
November 14, 2018
December 10, 2018
November 14, 2018
April 7, 2020
April 7, 2020
October 9, 2020
October 9, 2020
Principal
amount
(US$ million)
750
1,000
750
500
900
600
1,000
500
600
250
400
600
400
650
300
Mature date
November 28, 2022
June 9, 2019
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2025
July 6, 2022
July 6, 2027
September 29, 2023
March 29, 2028
May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024
November 14, 2028
April 7, 2025
April 7, 2030
April 9, 2026
October 9, 2030
Effective
interest rate
3.59%
3.00% *
3.13% *
4.22%
3.08%
3.73%
3.99%
4.50%
4.51%
4.54%
4.99%
3.22%
3.54%
1.81%
2.43%
* The 2019 Notes and 2020 Notes were fully repaid when they became due
The notes listed above are collectively referred to as the “Notes.”
The 2022 Ten-year Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.500% per annum. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on
May 28, 2013.
The 2019 Notes bear interest at the rate of 2.750% per annum. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on December
9, 2014.
The 2020 Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.000% per annum and the 2025 Ten-year Notes bear interest at the rate of 4.125% per annum. Interest is
payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on December 30, 2015.
The 2022 Five-year Notes bear interest at the rate of 2.875% per annum and the 2027 Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.625% per annum. Interest is
payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on January 6, 2018.
The 2023 Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.875% per annum and the 2028 March Notes bear interest at the rate of 4.375% per annum. Interest is
payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on September 29, 2018.
The 2024 Notes including US$600 million issued in November and US$250 million in December 2018, respectively, bear interest at the rate of 4.375%
per annum and the 2028 November Notes bear interest at the rate of 4.875% per annum. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year,
beginning on May 14, 2019.
F-62
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The 2025 Five-year Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.075% per annum and the 2030 April Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.425% per annum. Interest
is payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on October 7, 2020.
The 2026 Notes bear interest at the rate of 1.720% per annum and the 2030 October Notes bear interest at the rate of 2.375% per annum. Interest is
payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on April 9, 2021.
At maturity, the Notes are payable at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
The Notes do not contain any financial covenants or other significant restrictions. In addition, the Notes are unsecured and rank lower than any secured
obligation of the Group and have the same liquidation priority as any other unsecured liabilities of the Group, but senior to those expressly subordinated
obligations, if any. The Company may, at its discretion, redeem all or any portion of the Notes at any time, at the greater of the principal amount and the
make whole amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, for the 2023 Notes, 2028 March Notes, 2024 Notes and 2028 November Notes, 2025
Five-year Notes, 2030 April Notes, 2026 Notes and 2030 October Notes, the Company may at its discretion, redeem all or any portion of the Notes at
one or three months before the maturity date of respective notes, at a price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of such Notes plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the redemption date. As of December 31, 2020, the Company does not intend to redeem any
portion of the Notes prior to the stated maturity dates. For certain Notes, the Company has the obligation to redeem the Notes if a change in control
occurs as defined in the indenture of the Notes.
The outstanding Notes were issued at a discount amounting to US$20 million. The total issuance costs of US$36 million were presented as a direct
deduction from the principal amount of the outstanding Notes on the consolidated balance sheets. Both the discount and the issuance costs are amortized
as interest expense using the effective interest rate method through the maturity dates of the Notes.
The principal amount and unamortized discount and debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 were as follows:
Principal amount
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
F-63
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
(In millions)
2020
US$
43,519
(210)
43,309
48,638
(230)
48,408
7,454
(35)
7,419
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The following table summarizes the aggregate required repayments of the principal amounts of the Company’s long-term debts (including the notes
payable and loans payable (Note 12) but excluding convertible notes (Note 14)), in the succeeding five years and thereafter:
For the years ending December 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
14. CONVERTIBLE NOTES
iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes
RMB
US$
(In millions)
7,465
10,766
6,525
5,546
7,178
18,596
1,144
1,650
1,000
850
1,100
2,850
In December 2018, iQIYI issued US$750 million convertible senior notes due 2023 (“iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes”). The iQIYI 2023 Convertible
Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable semi-annually in cash at a rate of 3.75% per annum with a maturity date of
December 1, 2023, unless redeemed, repurchased or converted prior to such date. The initial conversion rate of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes is
37.1830 of iQIYI’s ADSs per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes. Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver to such
converting holders, as the case may be, cash, ADSs, or a combination of cash and ADSs, at its election.
Concurrently with the issuance of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, iQIYI purchased capped call options on iQIYI’s ADS with certain counterparties
at a price of US$68 million. The capped call exercise price is equal to the initial conversion price of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes and the cap price
is US$38.42 per ADS, subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call transaction. The cost of the capped call was recorded as a
reduction of the Company’s additional paid-in capital and non-controlling interests on the consolidated balance sheets with no subsequent
remeasurements to fair value.
As the conversion option may be settled entirely or partially in cash at iQIYI’s option, the Company separated the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes into
liability and equity components in accordance with ASC Subtopic 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options. The carrying amount of the
liability component was calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that did not have an associated conversion feature. The carrying
amount of the equity component representing the conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the
initial proceeds and recorded as additional paid-in capital. Debt issuance costs were allocated to the liability and equity components based on the same
proportion as the recognized amounts bifurcated based on gross proceeds from the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes. The difference between the principal
amount of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes and the liability component was considered debt discount and amortized at an effective interest rate of
7.04% to accrete the discounted carrying value of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes to its face value on December 1, 2021, the put date of the iQIYI
2023 Convertible Notes. The holders may require iQIYI to repurchase all or portion of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes for cash on December 1, 2021,
or upon a fundamental change, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
F-64
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes
In March 2019, iQIYI issued US$1.2 billion convertible senior notes due 2025 (“iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes”). The iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes
are senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable semi-annually in cash at a rate of 2.00% per annum with a maturity date of April 1,
2025, unless redeemed, repurchased or converted prior to such date. The initial conversion rate of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes is 33.0003 of
iQIYI’s ADSs per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes. Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver to such converting
holders, as the case may be, cash, ADSs, or a combination of cash and ADSs, at its election.
Concurrently with the issuance of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, iQIYI purchased capped call options on iQIYI’s ADS with certain counterparties
at a price of US$85 million. The capped call exercise price is equal to the initial conversion price of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes and the cap price
is US$40.02 per ADS, subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call transaction. The cost of the capped call was recorded as a
reduction of the Company’s additional paid-in capital and non-controlling interests on the consolidated balance sheets with no subsequent
remeasurements to fair value.
The accounting of iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes is similar to that of iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes. The difference between the principal amount of the
iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes and the liability component was considered debt discount and amortized at an effective interest rate of 6.01% to accrete
the discounted carrying value of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes to its face value on April 1, 2023, the put date of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes.
The holders may require iQIYI to repurchase all or portion of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes for cash on April 1, 2023, or upon a fundamental
change, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes
In December, 2020, iQIYI issued US$800 million convertible senior notes (“ iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes”). The iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes are
senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable semi-annually in cash at a rate of 4.00% per annum with a maturity date of December 15,
2026, unless redeemed, repurchased or converted prior to such date. The initial conversion rate of iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes is 44.8179 of iQIYI’s
ADSs per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes. Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver to such converting holders, as
the case may be, cash, ADSs, or a combination of cash and ADSs, at its election.
The accounting of iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes is similar to that of iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes. The difference between the principal amount of the
iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes and the liability component was considered debt discount and amortized at an effective interest rate of 6.94% to accrete
the discounted carrying value of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes to its face value on August 1, 2024, the put date of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible
Notes. The holders may require iQIYI to repurchase all or portion of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes for cash on August 1, 2024, or upon a
fundamental change, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes and the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes are collectively referred to the Convertible
Notes.
F-65
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The carrying amount of the Convertible Notes as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 were as follows:
Liability component:
Principal
Less: unamortized debt discount
Net carrying amount
Equity component:
Carrying amount
As of December 31,
2020
RMB
2019
RMB
(In millions)
2020
US$
13,578
1,281
12,297
17,954
1,275
16,679
2,751
195
2,556
1,349
1,744
267
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the amount of interest cost recognized relating to both the contractual interest coupon and
amortization of the discount on the liability component were RMB24 million, RMB670 million and RMB799 million (US$123 million), respectively. As
of December 31, 2020, the liability component of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes and the iQIYI 2026 Convertible
Notes would be accreted up to the principal amount of US$750 million, US$1.2 billion and US$800 million over a remaining period of 0.92 years 2.25
years and 3.59 years, respectively. The amount repayable within the next twelve months are classified as “Convertible senior notes, current portion” on
the consolidated balance sheets.
The aggregate scheduled maturities of RMB4.9 billion (US$750 million), RMB7.8 billion (US$1.2 billion) and RMB5.2 billion (US$800 million) of the
Convertible Notes will be repaid when they become due in 2023, 2025 and 2026, respectively, assuming there is no conversion of the Convertible Notes,
no redemption of the Convertible Notes prior to their maturities and the convertible senior notes bondholders hold the Convertible Notes until their
maturities and iQIYI elects to fully settle the Convertible Notes in cash.
15. LEASES
The Company’s operating leases mainly related to land, office facilities, IDC facilities and vehicles. For leases with terms greater than 12 months, the
Company records the related asset and lease liability at the present value of lease payments over the term. Certain leases include rental escalation
clauses, renewal options and/or termination options that are factored into the Company’s determination of lease payments when appropriate. As of
December 31, 2020, finance leases were insignificant.
As of December 31, 2020, the weighted average remaining lease term was 16.2 years and weighted average discount rate was 4.53% for the Group’s
operating leases.
F-66
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Operating lease cost was RMB2.7 billion and RMB3.0 billion (US$456 million) for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively, which
excluded cost of short-term contracts. Short-term lease cost was RMB434 million and RMB427 million (US$65 million) for the years ended
December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Variable lease cost was immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020. For the year ended
December 31, 2019 and 2020, no lease cost for operating or finance leases was capitalized. Supplemental cash flow information related to operating
leases was as follows:
For the years
ended December 31,
Cash payments for operating leases
ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
Future lease payments under operating leases as of December 31, 2020 were as follows:
2019
RMB
2,631
3,896
2020
RMB
(In millions)
5,187
2,841
US$
795
435
Year ending December 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total future lease payments
Less: Imputed interest
Total lease liability balance
Operating leases
RMB
US$
(In millions)
2,430
1,856
1,433
1,032
464
624
7,839
780
7,059
372
284
220
158
71
96
1,201
118
1,083
As of December 31, 2020, additional operating leases that have not yet commenced were immaterial.
16.
INCOME TAXES
Cayman Islands and BVI
Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands and BVI, the Company is not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Additionally, upon payment of
dividends by the Company to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.
Hong Kong
Subsidiaries in Hong Kong are subject to Hong Kong Profits Tax rate at 16.5%, and foreign-derived income is exempted from income tax. There are no
withholding taxes in Hong Kong on remittance of dividends.
Japan
As a result of the Japanese tax regulations amendments, the effective income tax rate are approximately 31%, 31% and 31% for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
F-67
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
China
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) Law, which has been effective since January 1, 2008, domestic enterprises and Foreign Investment
Enterprises (the “FIE”) are subject to a unified 25% enterprise income tax rate, except for certain entities that are entitled to preferential tax treatments.
Preferential EIT rates at 15% and 10% are available for qualified “High and New Technology Enterprises” (“HNTEs”) and “Key Software Enterprise”
(“KSE”), respectively. The HNTE certificate is effective for a period of three years and the KSE is subject to relevant governmental authorities’ annual
assessment based on self-assessment supporting documents filed with the tax authorities each year.
Baidu Online, Baidu China and Baidu International enjoyed a reduced tax rate of 10% as qualified KSEs in 2018 and 2019. Certain other PRC
subsidiaries and VIEs, including Baidu Netcom, are qualified HNTEs and enjoy a reduced tax rate of 15% for the years presented, which will expire in
2022 and 2023. Certain entities must file required supporting documents with the tax authorities before using the preferential rates. Whether the entity is
entitled to enjoy a preferential rate as a KSE is subject to relevant governmental authorities’ assessment each year. An entity could re-apply for the
HNTE certificate when the prior certificate expires. Historically, all of the Company’s subsidiaries and VIEs successfully re-applied for the certificates
when the prior ones expired.
A certificate for the current year might be obtained in the following year as a result of the stringent inspection and approval process by the governmental
authorities. The Company would record an income tax reversal in the year when the certificate is obtained for the over-paid or over-accrued provisional
tax in connection with the grant of a more favorable tax rate for the prior year.
Under the current EIT Law, dividends for earnings derived from January 1, 2008 and onwards paid by PRC entities to any of their foreign non-resident
enterprise investors are subject to a 10% withholding tax. A lower tax rate will be applied if tax treaty or arrangement benefits are available. Under the
tax arrangement between the PRC and Hong Kong, the reduced withholding tax rate for dividends paid by PRC entities is 5% provided the Hong Kong
investors meet the requirements as stipulated by relevant PRC tax regulations, such as the beneficiary owner test. Capital gains derived from PRC are
also subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax.
Income (loss) before income taxes consists of:
PRC
Non-PRC
For the years ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2020
US$
(In millions)
23,524
3,801
27,325
13,076
(13,416)
(340)
19,711
3,379
23,090
3,021
518
3,539
Except for the investment related gain recognized, the pre-tax losses from non-PRC operations consist primarily of operating costs, administration
expenses, interest expenses and share-based compensation expenses.
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Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Income taxes consist of:
Current income tax
Income tax refund due to reduced tax rate
Adjustments of deferred tax assets due to change in tax rates
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
For the years ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2020
US$
(In millions)
6,184
(680)
—
(761)
4,743
3,564
(920)
9
(705)
1,948
4,668
(719)
(5)
120
4,064
716
(110)
(1)
18
623
The reconciliation of the actual income taxes to the amount of tax computed by applying the aforementioned statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income
is as follows:
Expected taxation at PRC statutory tax rate
Effect of differing tax rates in different jurisdictions
Non-taxable income
Non-deductible expenses
Research and development super-deduction
Effect of PRC preferential tax rates and tax holiday
Effect of tax rate changes on deferred taxes
Reversal of prior year’s EIT
PRC withholding tax
Addition to valuation allowance
Taxation for the year
Effective tax rate
For the years ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
(In millions, except for per share data)
6,831
493
(1,555)
935
(1,047)
(2,250)
—
(616)
553
1,399
4,743
(85)
3,299
(419)
2,124
(1,245)
(1,327)
9
(1,134)
(224)
950
1,948
5,773
208
(995)
3,416
(1,549)
(2,891)
(5)
(951)
122
936
4,064
2020
US$
885
32
(152)
523
(237)
(443)
(1)
(146)
19
143
623
17%
(573%)
18%
18%
Effect of preferential tax rates inside the PRC on basic earnings per Class A and Class B
ordinary share (Note)
0.81
0.49
1.06
0.16
Note: Effect of preferential tax rates inside the PRC on basic earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share for the years ended December 31, 2018,
2019 and 2020 have been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision that became effective on March 1, 2021, as detailed in Note 1 and Note 21
F-69
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred tax balances at December 31, 2019 and 2020 are as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for credit loss
Accrued expenses, payroll and others
Fixed assets depreciation
Net operating loss carry-forward
Less: valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets, net
Deferred tax liabilities:
Long-lived assets arising from acquisitions
Withholding tax on PRC subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings
Tax on capital gains
Others
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
(In millions)
2020
US$
332
4,820
151
1,733
(4,843)
2,193
452
5,456
106
1,811
(5,895)
1,930
69
836
16
278
(903)
296
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
(In millions)
2020
US$
275
1,621
1,159
218
3,273
406
1,381
943
593
3,323
62
212
145
90
509
The Group offset deferred tax liabilities and assets pertaining to a particular tax-paying component of the Group within a particular jurisdiction. The
total income tax expenses were RMB1.9 billion and RMB4.1 billion (US$623 million) for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
The change in income tax expense is mainly due to changes of overall profits before tax. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 is
lower than the PRC statutory EIT rate of 25% mainly due to international income tax rate and preferential income tax rate impact, research and
development super-deduction, and change in withhold rate and Key Software Enterprise status obtained.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had tax losses of approximately RMB9.7 billion (US$1.5 billion) deriving from entities in the PRC, Hong Kong
and Japan. The tax losses in Japan can be carried forward for nine years to offset future taxable profit. The tax losses in PRC can be carried forward for
five years to offset future taxable profit, and the period was extended to 10 years for entities qualified as HNTE in 2019 and thereafter. The tax losses of
entities in the PRC and Japan will expire from 2021 to 2030, if not utilized. The tax losses in Hong Kong can be carried forward with no expiration date.
The Company evaluated its income tax uncertainty under ASC 740. ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing the
recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. The Company elects to classify interest and
penalties related to an uncertain tax position, if and when required, as part of income tax expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive
income (loss). The Company does not expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to increase significantly in the next 12 months. In general, the
PRC tax authorities have up to five years to conduct examinations of the tax filings of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries. Accordingly, the PRC
subsidiaries’ tax years
F-70
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
of 2015 - 2020 remain open to examination by the respective tax authorities. The Company may also be subject to the examination of the tax filings in
other jurisdictions, which are not material to the consolidated financial statements.
As of December 31, 2020, dividend distribution withholding tax for the potential remittance of earnings from the PRC subsidiaries to offshore entities
was RMB1.4 billion. The Company believes that the underlying dividends will be distributed in the future for offshore use, such as merger and
acquisition activities. The Company did not provide for additional deferred income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on the undistributed earnings of
foreign subsidiaries during the years presented on the basis of its intent to permanently reinvest its foreign subsidiaries’ earnings. As of December 31,
2020, the total amount of undistributed earnings from the PRC subsidiaries and the VIEs for which no withholding tax has been accrued was RMB154.1
billion (US$23.6 billion). Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable. Under the PRC
tax regulations, dividends from PRC companies to their overseas parents in respect of earnings derived from January 1, 2008 onwards are subject to
PRC dividend withholding tax at 10%. Such rate could be reduced to 5% should treaty benefits be applicable.
17. EMPLOYEE DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
Full time employees of the Group in the PRC participate in a government mandated multi-employer defined contribution plan pursuant to which certain
pension benefits, medical care, unemployment insurance, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. Chinese labor
regulations require that the Group make contributions to the government for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries. The
Group has no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions. Total amounts for such employee benefits, which were expensed as incurred,
were RMB2.9 billion, RMB3.2 billion and RMB2.7 billion (US$417 million) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Capital Commitments
The Group’s capital commitments primarily relate to commitments in connection with the expansion and improvement of its network infrastructure and
its plan to build additional office buildings and cloud computing based data centers. Total capital commitments contracted but not yet reflected in the
financial statements amounted to RMB754 million (US$116 million) as of December 31, 2020. Almost all of the commitments relating to the network
infrastructure, office building and cloud computing based data centers are to be fulfilled within one year.
F-71
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Commitments for bandwidth and property management fees
Future minimum payments under non-cancelable agreements for bandwidth and property management fees consist of the following as of December 31,
2020:
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
RMB
US$
(In millions)
742
323
135
81
45
47
1,373
114
50
21
12
7
7
211
Future minimum lease payments for operating lease commitments as of December 31, 2020 are disclosed in Note 15.
Licensed Copyrights and Produced Content Commitments
Future minimum payments under non-cancelable agreements for licensed copyrights and produced content consist of the following as of December 31,
2020:
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Investment Commitments
RMB
US$
(In millions)
10,480
6,239
3,421
1,286
345
—
21,771
1,606
956
524
197
53
—
3,336
The Group’s investment commitments primarily relate to capital contribution obligations under certain arrangements which do not have contractual
maturity date. The total investment commitments contracted but not yet reflected in the consolidated financial statements amounted to RMB1.5 billion
(US$223 million).
Guarantees
The Group accounts for guarantees in accordance with ASC Topic 460, Guarantees (“ASC 460”). Accordingly, the Company evaluates its guarantees if
any to determine whether (a) the guarantee is specifically excluded from the scope of ASC 460, (b) the guarantee is subject to ASC 460 disclosure
requirements only, but not subject to the initial recognition and measurement provisions, or (c) the guarantee is required to be recorded in the financial
statements at fair value.
F-72
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The corporate by-laws require that the Company indemnify its officers and directors, as well as those who act as directors and officers of other entities at
the Company’s request, against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any
proceedings arising out of their services to the Company. In addition, the Company entered into separate indemnification agreements with each director
and each executive officer of the Company that provide for indemnification of these directors and officers under similar circumstances and under
additional circumstances. The indemnification obligations are more fully described in the by-laws and the indemnification agreements. The Company
purchases standard directors and officers insurance to cover claims or a portion of the claims made against its directors and officers. Since a maximum
obligation is not explicitly stated in the Company’s by-laws or in the indemnification agreements and will depend on the facts and circumstances that
arise out of any future claims, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot be reasonably estimated.
Historically, the Company was not required to make payments related to these obligations, and the fair value for these obligations was nil on the
consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2020.
Litigation
The Group was involved in certain cases pending in various PRC, U.S. and Brazil courts and arbitration as of December 31, 2020. These cases include
copyright infringement cases, unfair competition cases, and defamation cases, among others. Adverse results in these lawsuits may include awards of
damages and may also result in, or even compel, a change in the Company’s business practices, which could result in a loss of revenue or otherwise
harm the business of the Company.
Starting in April 2020, the Group and certain of its officers were named as defendants in putative securities class actions filed in federal court. The case
was purportedly brought on behalf of a class of persons who allegedly suffered damages as a result of alleged misstatements and omissions in the
Group’s public disclosure documents related to Baidu Feed, which they believe did not comply with “PRC laws and regulations in all material respects”.
In addition, the Group received a complaint alleging that between April 8, 2016 and August 13, 2020, the Group made material misrepresentations in
disclosures filed with the SEC by misrepresenting the financial and business condition of iQIYI and failing to disclose that iQIYI had inadequate
controls. Both of those cases remain in preliminary stage, the likelihood of any unfavorable outcome or the amount or range of any potential loss cannot
be reasonably estimated at the issuance date of the consolidated financial statements. As a result, as of December 31, 2020, the Group did not record any
liabilities for the loss contingencies pertaining to the cases described above.
For many proceedings, the Company is currently unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably possible losses as the
proceedings are in the early stages, and/or there is a lack of clear or consistent interpretation of laws specific to the industry-specific complaints among
different jurisdictions. As a result, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, which includes eventual
loss, fine, penalty or business impact, if any, and therefore, an estimate for the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably possible losses cannot
be made. However, the Company believes that such matters, individually and in the aggregate, when finally resolved, are not reasonably likely to have a
material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. With respect to the limited number of
proceedings for which the Company was able to estimate the reasonably possible losses or the range of reasonably possible losses, such loss estimates
were insignificant.
F-73
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
19. REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
2018
RMB
2019
2020
RMB RMB US$
2020
Balance as of January 1
Business combinations (Note 3)
Issuance of subsidiary shares
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Conversion of iQIYI preferred shares recognized as redeemable noncontrolling interests to
ordinary shares
Balance as of December 31
11,022
698
—
146
(In millions)
716
182
100
111
1,109
—
1,866
127
170
—
286
19
(11,150)
716
—
1,109
—
3,102
—
475
In October 2018, the Company acquired additional shares of a former equity method investee, resulting in the investee becoming a subsidiary of the
Company. The subsidiary had issued 159,820,917 outstanding preferred shares to certain shareholders, which could be redeemed by such shareholders
upon the occurrence of certain events that are not solely within the control of the subsidiary. Therefore, these preferred shares were accounted for as
redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 3).
In September 2020, the Company entered into definitive agreements to issue Series A preferred shares of the Group’s smart living business, or Smart
Living Group (“SLG”). SLG had issued 61,666,667 outstanding preferred shares to certain shareholders, which could be redeemed by such shareholders
upon the occurrence of certain events that are not solely within the control of the subsidiary. Therefore, these preferred shares were accounted for as
redeemable noncontrolling interests.
The Company accounts for the changes in accretion to the redemption value in accordance with ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.
The Company elects to use the effective interest method to account for the changes of redemption value over the period from the date of issuance to the
earliest redemption date of the noncontrolling interest.
20.
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Ordinary Shares
The authorized share capital consisted of 69,632,000,000 ordinary shares (previously 870,400,000 ordinary shares before the Share Subdivision as
detailed in Note 1) at a par value of US$0.000000625 per share (previously US$0.00005 per share before the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1),
of which 66,000,000,000 shares were designated as Class A ordinary shares, 2,832,000,000 as Class B ordinary shares, and 800,000,000 shares
designated as preferred shares (previously 825,000,000 shares were designated as Class A ordinary shares, 35,400,000 as Class B ordinary shares, and
10,000,000 shares designated as preferred shares before the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1). The rights of the holders of Class A and Class B
ordinary shares are identical, except with respect to voting and conversion rights. Each share of Class A ordinary shares is entitled to one vote per share
and is not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Each share of Class B ordinary shares is entitled to ten votes per share and
is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Upon any transfer of Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any
person or entity that is not an affiliate of such holder, such Class B ordinary shares would be automatically converted into an equal number of Class A
ordinary shares. The number of Class B ordinary shares transferred to Class A ordinary shares was nil, nil and 4,200,000 in the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
F-74
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
As of December 31, 2020, there were 2,107,228,720 and 571,900,320 Class A and Class B ordinary shares outstanding (previously 26,340,359 and
7,148,754 Class A and Class B ordinary shares before the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1), respectively. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020,
there were no preferred shares issued and outstanding.
On June 27, 2018, the Company announced a share repurchase program under which the Company proposed to acquire up to an aggregate of
US$1.0 billion of its ordinary shares over the next 12 months in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, depending on market
conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
On May 16, 2019, the Company announced a share repurchase program under which the Company proposed to acquire up to an aggregate of
US$1.0 billion of its ordinary shares, effective until July 1, 2020 in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, depending on market
conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
On May 13, 2020, the Company announced a share repurchase program (“2020 share repurchase program”) under which the Company proposed to
acquire up to an aggregate of US$1.0 billion of its ordinary shares, effective until July 1, 2021 in the open market or through privately negotiated
transactions, depending on market conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. In August 2020, the board of directors approved a
change to the 2020 share repurchase program, increasing the repurchase authorization from US$1.0 billion to US$3.0 billion, and in December 2020, the
repurchase authorization was further increased from US$3.0 billion to US$4.5 billion, which is effective through December 31, 2022.
The Company repurchased 16,573,200, 53,162,720 and 126,096,000 Class A ordinary shares (previously 207,165, 664,534 and 1,576,200 Class A
ordinary shares before the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1) from the open market with an aggregate purchase price of RMB3.3 billion,
RMB5.0 billion and RMB13.1 billion (US$2.0 billion) during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The repurchased shares were
cancelled under Cayman Islands law upon repurchase and the difference between the par value and the repurchase price was debited to retained
earnings.
Retained Earnings
In accordance with the Regulations on Enterprises with Foreign Investment of China and their articles of association, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries,
being foreign invested enterprises established in China, are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserves, namely a general reserve fund,
an enterprise expansion fund, a staff welfare fund and a bonus fund, all of which are appropriated from net profit as reported in their PRC statutory
accounts. Each of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries is required to allocate at least 10% of its after-tax profits to a general reserve fund until such fund has
reached 50% of its respective registered capital. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus funds are at the discretion
of the Company’s subsidiaries.
In accordance with the China Company Laws, the Company’s VIEs must make appropriations from their after-tax profits as reported in their PRC
statutory accounts to non-distributable reserve funds, namely a statutory surplus fund, a statutory public welfare fund and a discretionary surplus fund.
Each of the Company’s VIEs is required to allocate at least 10% of its after-tax profits to the statutory surplus fund until such fund has reached 50% of
its respective registered capital. Appropriations to the statutory public welfare fund and the discretionary surplus fund are made at the discretion of the
Company’s VIEs.
F-75
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
General reserve and statutory surplus funds are restricted to set-off against losses, expansion of production and operation and increasing registered
capital of the respective company. Staff welfare and bonus fund and statutory public welfare funds are restricted to capital expenditures for the collective
welfare of employees. The reserves are not allowed to be transferred to the Company in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances, nor are they
allowed for distribution except under liquidation.
PRC statutory reserve funds
Unreserved retained earnings
Total retained earnings
2019
RMB
As of December 31,
2020
RMB
(In millions)
2020
US$
626
125,642
126,268
806
134,478
135,284
123
20,610
20,733
Under PRC laws and regulations, there are restrictions on the Company’s PRC subsidiaries and VIEs with respect to transferring certain of their net
assets to the Company either in the form of dividends, loans, or advances. Amounts of net assets restricted include paid in capital and statutory reserve
funds of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries and the net assets of the VIEs in which the Company has no legal ownership, totaling RMB40.8 billion and
RMB45.0 billion (US$6.9 billion) as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Furthermore, cash transfers from the Company’s PRC subsidiaries to their parent companies outside of China are subject to PRC government control of
currency conversion. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of the PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities
to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to the Company, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated
obligations.
F-76
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, were as follows:
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment
RMB
Unrealized
gains on
available-for-sale
investments
RMB
(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017
Cumulative effect of accounting change*
Other comprehensive income before reclassification
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Net current-period other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income attribute to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling
interests
Balance at December 31, 2018
Other comprehensive income before reclassification
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Net current-period other comprehensive loss
Other comprehensive income attribute to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling
interests
Balance at December 31, 2019
Other comprehensive income before reclassification
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
Other comprehensive income attribute to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling
interests
Balance at December 31, 2020
Balance at December 31, 2020, in US$
(888)
—
114
80
194
(1,006)
(1,700)
207
(989)
(782)
(102)
(2,584)
1,936
—
1,936
(192)
(840)
(129)
1,818
(1,854)
4,117
(2,171)
92
—
1,910
1,981
(2,689)
(708)
(1)
1,201
380
(541)
(161)
(1)
1,039
159
Total
RMB
930
(1,854)
4,231
(2,091)
286
(1,006)
210
2,188
(3,678)
(1,490)
(103)
(1,383)
2,316
(541)
1,775
(193)
199
30
* Adjustment of net unrealized gains related to available-for-sale equity investments from accumulated other comprehensive income to opening
retained earnings as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2018.
The amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income represent realized foreign currency translation adjustments, which mainly
arise from the disposal of partial interests in Trip and realized gains on the sales of available-for-sale investments, which were recorded in “Others, net”
in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The amounts reclassified were determined on the basis of specific identification. Losses
on intracompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature in the amount of nil, nil and RMB1.2 billion (US$189 million)
were included in the foreign currency translation adjustment for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
In October 2019, the Company completed a partial disposal of its investment in Trip and the corresponding accumulated other comprehensive income of
RMB989 million was reclassified to income and recorded as “Others, net” in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the year ended
December 31, 2019.
F-77
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The following table sets forth the tax benefit (expense) allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020:
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments
Other comprehensive income before reclassification
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
For the years ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
(In millions)
2020
US$
(409)
328
(81)
(280)
402
122
(59)
83
24
(9)
13
4
21. EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)
Following the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1, each ordinary share was subdivided into eighty ordinary shares and each ADS represents eight
Class A ordinary shares. The weighted average number of ordinary shares used for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share/ADS for the
years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 have been retrospectively adjusted.
A reconciliation of net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) to the numerator for the
computation of basic and diluted per share for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 is as follows:
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
Accretion of the redeemable noncontrolling interests
Numerator for basic EPS computation
Impact of subsidiaries’ and investees’ diluted earnings per share
Numerator for diluted EPS computation
F-78
For the years ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2020
US$
(In millions, including number of shares
and ADS, except for per share and per
ADS data)
27,573
(130)
27,443
—
27,443
2,057
(77)
1,980
(28)
1,952
22,472
(88)
22,384
—
22,384
3,444
(13)
3,431
—
3,431
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share and basic and diluted earnings per
ADS:
Earnings per share—basic:
Numerator
Allocation of net income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
Denominator
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (Note)
Denominator used for basic EPS (Note)
Earnings per share—basic (Note)
For the years ended December 31,
2018
2019
2020
2020
Class A Class B Class A Class B Class A Class A Class B Class B
RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB US$
(In millions, including number of shares and ADS, except for
per share and per ADS data)
21,780 5,663 1,571
409 17,683 2,710 4,701
721
2,216
2,216
576 2,211
576 2,211
576 2,158 2,158
576 2,158 2,158
574
574
574
574
9.83 9.83 0.71 0.71
8.19 1.26 8.19 1.26
Earnings per share—diluted:
Numerator
Allocation of net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. for diluted computation
Reallocation of net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. as a result of conversion of Class B to
21,824 5,619 1,549
403 17,723 2,716 4,661
715
Class A shares
Numerator for diluted EPS calculation
Denominator
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (Note)
Conversion of Class B to Class A ordinary shares (Note)
Share-based awards (Note)
Denominator used for diluted EPS (Note)
Earnings per share—diluted (Note)
Earnings per ADS (1 ADS equals 8 Class A ordinary shares):
Denominator used for earnings per ADS—basic (Note)
Denominator used for earnings per ADS—diluted (Note)
Earnings per ADS—basic (Note)
Earnings per ADS—diluted (Note)
5,619 —
27,443 5,619 1,952
403 — 4,661
403 22,384 3,431 4,661
715 — —
715
2,216
576 2,211
576 —
22 —
576 —
4 —
576 2,158 2,158
574
24
576 2,756 2,756
574
574
574 — —
24 — —
574
574
2,814
576 2,791
9.75 9.75 0.70 0.70
8.12 1.24 8.12 1.24
277
352
276
349
270
270
344
344
78.64
5.68
65.54 10.04
78.03
5.60
64.98 9.96
Note: Basic and diluted net income per ordinary share, weighted average number of shares and the adjustments for dilutive restricted share and share options for the
years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 have been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision and the ADS Ratio Change that became effective on March
1, 2021, as detailed in Note 1
The Company did not include certain stock options, restricted shares and the effect of convertible senior notes issued by iQIYI in the computation of
diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 because those stock options, restricted shares and convertible senior
notes were anti-dilutive for earnings per share for the respective years.
F-79
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
22.
SHARE-BASED AWARDS PLAN
Baidu, Inc.
2008 Share Incentive plan
In December 2008, the Company adopted a share incentive plan (the “2008 Plan”), which provides for the granting of share incentives, including
incentive share options (“ISOs”), restricted shares and any other form of award pursuant to the 2008 Plan, to members of the board, employees,
consultants and non-employees of the Company. The Company reserved 274,302,160 Class A ordinary shares (previously 3,428,777 Class A ordinary
shares before the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1) for issuance under the 2008 Plan, which expired in the year 2018. The vesting schedule, time
and condition to exercise options is determined by the Company’s compensation committee. The term of the options may not exceed ten years from the
date of the grant, except that five years is the maximum term of an ISO granted to an employee who holds more than 10% of the voting power of the
Company’s share capital.
Under the 2008 Plan, the exercise price of an option may be amended or adjusted at the discretion of the compensation committee, the determination of
which would be final, binding and conclusive. To the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or exchange rules, a downward adjustment of the exercise
prices would be effective without the approval of the Company’s shareholders or the approval of the affected grantees. If the Company grants an ISO to
an employee who, at the time of that grant, owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of the Company’s share capital,
the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s ordinary shares on the date of that grant.
2018 Share Incentive Plan
In July 2018, the Company adopted a share incentive plan (the “2018 Plan”), which provides for the granting of share incentives, including ISOs,
restricted shares and any other form of award pursuant to the 2018 Plan, to members of the board, employees, consultants, and non-employees of the
Company. The 2018 Plan has a ten-year term and a maximum number of 275,516,000 Class A ordinary shares (previously 3,443,950 Class A ordinary
shares before the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1) available for issuance pursuant to all awards under the 2018 Plan.
Under the 2018 Plan, the exercise price of an option may be amended or adjusted at the discretion of the compensation committee, the determination of
which would be final, binding and conclusive. To the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or exchange rules, a downward adjustment of the exercise
prices would be effective without the approval of the Company’s shareholders or the approval of the affected grantees. If the Company grants an ISO to
an employee who, at the time of that grant, owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of the Company’s share capital,
the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s ordinary shares on the date of that grant.
Following the Share Subdivision that became effective on March 1, 2021 as detailed in Note 1 and Note 21, each Class A ordinary share was subdivided
into eighty Class A ordinary shares and each ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares. Prior and subsequent to March 1, 2021, one ordinary share
was and will be issuable upon the vesting of one outstanding restricted share or the exercise of one outstanding share option, respectively. Therefore,
following the Share Subdivision, each share option and restricted share is subdivided into eighty share options and eighty restricted shares, the weighted
average grant date fair value per restricted share and the weighted average exercise price per share option is diluted by eighty times. The number of
restricted shares and share options, the weighted average grant date fair value per restricted share and the weighted average exercise price per share
option has been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision in the following tables.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Incentive share options
The following table summarizes the option activity for the years ended December 31, 2020:
Number of share
options
(Note)
Weighted average
exercise price
(US$)
(Note)
Incentive share options
Outstanding, December 31, 2019
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited/Cancelled
Outstanding, December 31, 2020
Vested and expected to vest at December 31,
2020
Exercisable at December 31, 2020
29,854,480
1,028,240
(3,516,400)
(3,147,280)
24,219,040
19,756,080
12,098,400
17
11
13
17
17
18
21
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
(Years)
Aggregate
intrinsic
value (US$ in
millions)
8
72
7
7
5
245
186
78
Note: The number of share options and weighted average exercise price has been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision that became
effective on March 1, 2021 as detailed in Note 1 and Note 21.
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day in 2020 and
the exercise price.
Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 was RMB474 million, RMB77 million and RMB157
million (US$24 million), respectively. The total fair value of options vested during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 was
RMB956 million, RMB216 million and RMB261 million (US$40 million), respectively.
Share options are usually subject to vesting schedules ranging from two to four years. As of December 31, 2020, RMB215 million (US$33 million) of
unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to share options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.8 years.
To the extent the actual forfeiture rate is different from the original estimate, actual share-based compensation costs related to these awards may be
different from expectation.
The fair value of each option award was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model. The volatility assumption was
estimated based on historical volatility of the Company’s share price applying the guidance provided by ASC 718. Assumptions of the expected term
were based on the vesting and contractual terms and employee demographics. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is
based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
The following table presents the assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the share options granted in the years presented:
Risk-free interest rate
Dividend yield
Expected volatility range
Expected life (in years)
2018
For the years ended December 31
2019
2.57%
—
1.58%~2.49%
—
2020
1.51~1.52%
—
34.47%~35.36%
34.62%~35.14%
34.83%~34.92%
4.89~6.25
5.83~6.03
5.90~6.01
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
In addition, the Company recognizes share-based compensation expense net of estimated forfeiture rates, to recognize compensation cost for shares
expected to vest over the service period of the award. Estimated forfeiture rates are primarily based on historical experience of employee turnover. To
the extent the Company revises this estimate in the future, share-based compensation expense could be materially impacted in the year of revision, as
well as in the following years.
The exercise price of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 equaled the market price of the ordinary shares on the
grant date. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019, and 2020 was US$13,
US$5, and US$9, respectively.
Restricted Shares
Restricted Shares activity for the year ended December 31, 2020 was as follow:
Restricted Shares
Unvested, December 31, 2019
Granted
Vested
Forfeited/Cancelled
Unvested, December 31, 2020
Number of shares
(Note)
113,604,320
73,900,080
(35,078,640)
(21,924,240)
130,501,520
Weighted average grant date
fair value (US$)
(Note)
19
14
20
17
16
Note: The number of restricted shares and weighted average grant date fair value has been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision that
became effective on March 1, 2021 as detailed in Note 1 and Note 21.
The total fair value of the Restricted Shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 was RMB3.4 billion, RMB4.1 billion,
RMB4.6 billion (US$700 million), respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the Restricted Shares granted during the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2019, and 2020 was US$28, US$16, and US$14, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, there was RMB6.4 billion (US$1.0 billion) of unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to Restricted Shares,
which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 3.0 years. To the extent the actual forfeiture rate is different from the
original estimate, the actual share-based compensation costs related to these awards may be different from expectation. To the extent the Company
revises this estimate in the future, share-based compensation expense could be materially impacted in the year of revision, as well as in the following
years.
Subsidiaries-iQIYI
2010 Equity Incentive Plan
In October 2010, iQIYI adopted its 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “iQIYI 2010 Plan”), which permits the grant of restricted shares, options and share
appreciation rights to the employees, directors, officers and consultants to purchase iQIYI’s ordinary shares. The 2010 Plan is valid and effective for an
original term of ten years, and further extended to twenty years on September 15, 2020 commencing from its adoption. Except for service conditions,
there were no other vesting conditions for all the awards under the 2010 Plan. As of December 31,
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
2020, the share option pool under the iQIYI 2010 Plan approved by the Board of Directors of iQIYI was 589,729,714 iQIYI’s ordinary shares. All
options granted vest over a four-year period, with 25% of the awards vesting on the first anniversary, and the remaining 75% of the awards vesting on a
quarterly basis thereafter.
The following table sets forth the summary of employee option activity under the iQIYI’s 2010 Plan:
Outstanding, December 31, 2019
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding, December 31, 2020
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2020
Exercisable at December 31, 2020
Number of share
options
406,912,618
88,611,584
(12,111,374)
(62,714,554)
420,698,274
401,055,919
245,054,484
Weighted
average
exercise price
(US$)
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
(Years)
0.48
0.51
0.51
0.44
0.49
0.48
0.47
7
7
7
7
Aggregate
intrinsic
value ( US$ in
millions)
1,031
846
807
498
As of December 31, 2020, there was RMB2.2 billion (US$338 million) of unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to share options granted
by iQIYI. That deferred cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.7 years.
2017 Share Incentive Plan
In November 2017, iQIYI adopted its 2017 Share Incentive Plan (the “iQIYI 2017 Plan”). Under the iQIYI 2017 Plan, iQIYI is authorized to grant
options, restricted shares and restricted share units to members of the board, employees, consultants and other individuals for which the maximum
aggregate number of ordinary shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards is 720,000 iQIYI’s ordinary shares. The iQIYI 2017 Plan is valid and
effective for a term of ten years commencing from its adoption. Except for service conditions, there are no other vesting conditions for all the awards
issued under the 2017 Plan. As of December 31, 2020, the unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to its Restricted Shares is insignificant.
The following table summarizes the share-based compensation cost recognized by iQIYI:
Expensed as cost of revenues
Expensed as selling, general and administrative
Expensed as research and development
F-83
For the years ended December 31,
2018
RMB
83
369
104
556
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
(In millions)
171
676
238
1,085
202
851
317
1,370
2020
US$
31
130
49
210
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The following table summarizes the total share-based compensation cost recognized by the Group:
Expensed as cost of revenues
Expensed as selling, general and administrative
Expensed as research and development
For the years ended December 31,
2018
RMB
224
1,725
2,727
4,676
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
(In millions)
327
1,768
3,531
5,626
360
1,897
4,471
6,728
2020
US$
55
290
686
1,031
23. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related party transactions primarily related to online marketing services, cloud services and other services provided by the Company to certain
investees. The following table summarizes the revenue received from major related parties in fiscal year 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Revenues:
Trip
Du Xiaoman
Investee C(i)
Others
Total
For the years ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2020
US$
774
256
143
421
1,594
627
731
280
1,394
3,032
204
678
949
1,015
2,846
31
104
145
156
436
(i)
Investee C is one of the Company’ investees, over which the Company has significant influence.
The Group purchased produced content and licensed copyrights, traffic acquisition and other services from equity investees in an amount of
RMB297 million, RMB3.0 billion and RMB1.9 billion (US$290 million) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Other
related party transactions were insignificant for each of the years presented, which included reimbursements to Robin Li’s use of an aircraft beneficially
owned by his family member used for the Company’s business purposes.
F-84
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, amounts due from/due to related parties were as follows:
Expect for the non-trade balances as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 relate to transactions disclosed below, amounts due from/due to related parties
arising from the ordinary and usual course of business of the Group and were trade in nature.
Amounts due from related parties, current:
Trip(i)
Du Xiaoman(ii)
Investee A(iii)
Investee C(iv)
Other related parties(v)
Total
Amounts due from related parties, non-current:
Du Xiaoman(ii)
Other related parties(vi)
Total
Amounts due to related parties, current:
Trip(vii)
Du Xiaoman(viii)
Investee A(ix)
Investee B(x)
Other related parties(xi)
Total
Amounts due to related parties, non-current:
Du Xiaoman(xii)
Investee B(x)
Other related parties(xiii)
Total
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
(In millions)
2020
US$
96
737
345
115
301
1,594
22
306
—
212
186
726
3
47
—
32
29
111
3,391
173
3,564
3,398
40
3,438
521
6
527
49
973
476
249
484
2,231
50
489
—
175
610
1,324
3,430
410
6
3,846
3,216
325
2
3,543
8
75
—
27
93
203
493
50
—
543
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
The balances mainly represent amounts arising from services the Company provided to Trip.
The balances represent non-trade long-term loans due from Du Xiaoman with interest rates ranging from 0.00% to 0.50% in 2020, and amounts
arising from services the Company provided to Du Xiaoman.
The balance mainly represents a non-trade interest-bearing loan provided to Investee A, which was an equity investee as of December 31, 2019.
The Company acquired Investee A on July 16, 2020, and accordingly, all corresponding outstanding balance has been eliminated in the
consolidated balance sheet.
The balances mainly represent amounts arising from services including online marketing services and cloud services the Company provided to
Investee C.
The balances mainly represent amounts arising from services the Company provided to its investees in ordinary course of business.
The balance consists of amount due from the Company’s investees in the ordinary course of business.
The balances mainly represent amounts arising from services provided by Trip.
F-85
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
(viii) The balance represents amount due to Du Xiaoman arising from services provided by Du Xiaoman to the Company in the ordinary course of
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
business and non-trade loans provided by Du Xiaoman with interest rates of nil in 2020.
The balances mainly represent amounts arising from hardware products purchased from Investee A, and a non-trade interest-bearing loan
provided by the Investee A, as of December 31, 2019. The Company acquired Investee A on July 16, 2020, and accordingly, all corresponding
outstanding balances have been eliminated in the consolidated balance sheet.
The balances mainly represent deferred revenue relating to the future services to be provided by the Company to Investee B which is an equity
method investee.
The balances mainly represent amounts arising from services including advertising services and licensing of content assets provided by the
Company’s investees and non-trade amounts payable for acquiring the equity interest of the Company’s investees.
The balances mainly represent non-trade interest-free long-term loans provided by Du Xiaoman.
(xii)
(xiii) The balance represents mainly deferred revenue relating to the future services to be provided by the Company to investees.
24.
SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company’s operations are organized into two segments, consisting of Baidu Core and iQIYI. Within Baidu Core, the Company’s product and
services offerings are categorized as follows—Mobile Ecosystem, Baidu Cloud and Apollo Intelligent Driving & Other Growth Initiatives. iQIYI is an
innovative market-leading online entertainment service. iQIYI’s platform features iQIYI original content, as well as a comprehensive library of other
professionally produced content (PPC), professional user generated content (PUGC) and user-generated content.
The Company derives the results of the segments directly from its internal management reporting system. The CODM reviews the performance of each
segment based on its operating results and uses these results to evaluate the performance of, and to allocate resources to, each of the segments. Because
substantially all of the Group’s long-lived assets and revenues are located in and derived from the PRC, geographical segments are not presented. The
Company does not allocate assets to its segments as the CODM does not evaluate the performance of segments using asset information.
F-86
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The table below provides a summary of the Group’s operating segment operating results for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit (loss)
Total other income (loss), net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income (loss)
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to Baidu, Inc.
For the year ended December 31, 2018
Baidu Core
RMB
iQIYI
RMB
Intersegment
eliminations &
adjustments
RMB
Consolidated
RMB
78,271
24,989
(983)
102,277
(In millions)
25,370
15,310
13,783
54,463
23,808
13,169
36,977
4,664
32,313
(1,292)
33,605
27,133
4,168
1,994
33,295
(8,306)
(676)
(8,982)
79
(9,061)
49
(9,110)
(759)
(247)
(5)
(1,011)
28
(698)
(670)
—
(670)
(3,748)
3,078
51,744
19,231
15,772
86,747
15,530
11,795
27,325
4,743
22,582
(4,991)
27,573
The table below provides a summary of the Group’s operating segment operating results for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit (loss)
Total other income (loss), net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income (loss)
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to Baidu, Inc.
F-87
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Baidu Core
RMB
iQIYI
RMB
Intersegment
eliminations
RMB
Consolidated
RMB
(In millions)
79,711
28,994
(1,292)
107,413
34,019
14,733
15,698
64,450
15,261
(5,680)
9,581
1,896
7,685
105
7,580
30,348
5,237
2,667
38,252
(9,258)
(967)
(10,225)
52
(10,277)
46
(10,323)
(1,517)
(60)
(19)
(1,596)
304
—
304
—
304
(4,496)
4,800
62,850
19,910
18,346
101,106
6,307
(6,647)
(340)
1,948
(2,288)
(4,345)
2,057
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The table below provides a summary of the Group’s operating segment operating results for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit (loss)
Total other income (loss), net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income (loss)
Baidu Core
For the year ended December 31, 2020
iQIYI
Intersegment eliminations
RMB
US$
RMB
US$
RMB
(In millions)
US$
Consolidated
RMB
US$
78,684 12,059 29,707 4,553
(1,317)
(202) 107,074 16,410
28,368 4,348 27,884 4,273
795
12,931 1,982 5,188
16,847 2,581 2,676
410
58,146 8,911 35,748 5,478
20,538 3,148 (6,041)
(925)
(145)
(943)
9,693 1,486
30,231 4,634 (6,984) (1,070)
4,041
4
26,190 4,015 (7,007) (1,074)
619
23
(1,094)
(56)
(10)
(1,160)
(157)
—
(157)
—
(157)
(167) 55,158 8,454
(8) 18,063 2,769
(2) 19,513 2,989
(177) 92,734 14,212
(25) 14,340 2,198
8,750 1,341
(25) 23,090 3,539
623
4,064
(25) 19,026 2,916
—
—
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to Baidu, Inc.
(334)
5
26,524 4,065 (7,038) (1,079)
(50)
31
(3,143)
2,986
(483)
(528)
(3,446)
458 22,472 3,444
The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by segment and by types of products or services:
December 31,
2018
RMB
For the years ended
December 31,
2019
RMB
December 31,
2020
RMB
(In millions)
December 31,
2020
US$
Online marketing services
Cloud services (Note 1)
Interest income earned from provision of financial services
Others (Note 1)
Baidu Core Subtotal
Membership services (Note 1)
Online advertising services (Note 2)
Content distribution (Note 1)
Others (Note 1)
iQIYI Subtotal
Intersegment eliminations
72,645
3,005
1,724
897
78,271
10,623
9,329
2,163
2,874
24,989
(983)
102,277
70,038
6,370
—
3,303
79,711
14,436
8,271
2,544
3,743
28,994
(1,292)
107,413
66,283
9,173
—
3,228
78,684
16,491
6,822
2,660
3,734
29,707
(1,317)
107,074
10,158
1,406
—
495
12,059
2,527
1,046
408
572
4,553
(202)
16,410
Total revenue
Note 1: The revenues were presented as “Others” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)
F-88
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Note 2: The revenues were presented as “Online marketing revenue” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)
25. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1
Level 2
– Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
–
Include observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active
markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or
can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3
– Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
ASC 820 describes three main approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: (1) market approach; (2) income approach and (3) cost
approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets
or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. The measurement is based on
the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be
required to replace an asset.
Assets and Liabilities Measured or Disclosed at Fair Value on a recurring basis
In accordance with ASC 820, the Company measures equity investments with readily determinable fair value, investments accounted for at fair value,
available-for-sale debt investments and derivatives instruments at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of time deposits are determined based on
the prevailing interest rates in the market. The fair values of the Company’s held-to-maturity debt investments as disclosed are determined based on the
discounted cash flow model using the discount curve of market interest rates. The fair value of the Company’s short-term available-for-sale debt
investments are measured using the income approach, based on quoted market interest rates of a similar instrument and other significant inputs derived
from or corroborated by observable market data. The fair values of the Company’s equity investments in equity securities of publicly listed companies
are measured using quoted market prices. The fair value of derivative instruments of interest rate swaps are based on broker quotes. The fair value of
financial liability is estimated based on the quoted market price of a similar asset to the underlying assets. Investments accounted for at fair value are
equity investments in unlisted companies held by consolidated investment companies, these investments and long-term available-for-sale debt
investments do not have readily determinable market value, which were categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company uses a
combination of valuation methodologies, including market and income approaches based on the Company’s best estimate, which is determined by using
information including but not limited to the pricing of recent rounds of financing of the investees, future cash flow forecasts, liquidity factors and
multiples of a selection of comparable companies.
The fair value of the Company’s notes payable are extracted directly from their quoted market prices. The fair value of the convertible senior notes are
based on broker quotes. The Company carries the convertible senior notes at face value less unamortized debt discount and issuance costs on its
consolidated balance sheets and presents the fair value for disclosure purposes only.
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Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis or disclosed at fair value are summarized below:
Fair value measurement or disclosure at December 31, 2019 using
Total fair
value at
December 31,
2019
RMB
Quoted prices
in active
markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
RMB
Significant other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
RMB
(In millions)
Significant unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
RMB
Fair value disclosure
Cash equivalents:
Time deposits
Money market funds
Short-term investments:
Held-to-maturity debt investments
Long-term investments:
Held-to-maturity debt investment
Long-term notes payable
Convertible senior notes
10,848
1,719
107,654
491
45,282
14,142
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis
Short-term investments:
Available-for-sale debt investments
5,637
Long-term investments:
Equity investments at fair value with readily
determinable fair value
Investments accounted for at fair value
Available-for-sale debt investments
Other non-current assets:
Derivative instruments
Total assets measured at fair value
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Derivative instruments
Amounts due to related parties, non-current:
Financial liability
Total liabilities measured at fair value
11,334
1,819
3,970
24
22,784
125
401
526
F-90
1,719
11,334
11,334
10,848
107,654
491
45,282
14,142
5,637
24
5,661
401
401
1,819
3,970
5,789
125
125
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Fair value disclosure
Cash equivalents:
Time deposits
Money market funds
Short-term investments:
Held-to-maturity debt investments
Convertible senior notes, current portion
Long-term investments:
Held-to-maturity debt investment
Long-term notes payable
Convertible senior notes, non-current portion
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis
Short-term investments:
Available-for-sale debt investments
Long-term investments:
Equity investments at fair value with readily determinable fair
value
Investments accounted for at fair value
Available-for-sale debt investments
Total assets measured at fair value
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Derivative instruments
Amounts due to related parties, current:
Financial liability
Total liabilities measured at fair value
Total fair value at
December 31, 2020
US$
RMB
Fair value measurement or disclosure
at December 31, 2020 using
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
RMB
(In millions)
Significant other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
RMB
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
RMB
16,133
198
2,472
30
198
124,132
19,024
4,967
761
9,754
1,495
52,575
8,057
12,078
1,851
16,133
124,132
4,967
9,754
52,575
12,078
2,865
439
2,865
12,978
2,238
2,607
20,688
1,989
343
400
3,171
40
327
367
6
50
56
F-91
12,978
12,978
2,865
2,238
2,607
4,845
40
327
367
—
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Reconciliations of assets categorized within Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy are as follow:
Investments accounted for at fair value:
Balance at December 31, 2018
Additions
Disposals
Net unrealized fair value increase recognized in earnings
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2019
Additions
Disposals
Net unrealized fair value increase recognized in earnings
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2020
Balance at December 31, 2020, in US$
Available-for-sale debt investments:
Balance at December 31, 2018
Additions
Disposals
Net unrealized fair value increase recognized in other comprehensive income
Accrued interest
Impairment
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2019
Additions
Disposals
Reclassification
Conversion to equity investment
Share of losses in excess of equity method investment in ordinary shares
Net unrealized fair value increase recognized in other comprehensive income
Accrued interest
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2020
Balance at December 31, 2020, in US$
F-92
Amounts
RMB
(In millions)
1,457
282
(128)
197
11
1,819
371
(63)
151
(40)
2,238
343
Amounts
RMB
(In millions)
1,167
2,785
(20)
91
48
(81)
(20)
3,970
5
(500)
412
(1,355)
(82)
153
68
(64)
2,607
400
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
The Company measures certain non-financial assets on a nonrecurring basis
For equity securities accounted for under the measurement alternative, when there are observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or
similar investments of the same issuer, the investments are re-measured to fair value (Note 4). The non-recurring fair value measurements to the carrying
amount of an investment usually requires management to estimate a price adjustment for the different rights and obligations between a similar
instrument of the same issuer with an observable price change in an orderly transaction and the investment held by the Company. These non-recurring
fair value measurements were measured as of the observable transaction dates. The valuation methodologies involved require management to use the
observable transaction price at the transaction date and other unobservable inputs (level 3) such as expected volatility and probability of exit events as it
relates to liquidation and redemption preferences. When there is impairment of equity securities accounted for under the measurement alternative and
equity method investments, the non-recurring fair value measurements are measured at the date of impairment. The fair values of the Company’s equity
method investments in publicly listed companies are measured using quoted market prices. Estimating the fair value of investees without observable
market prices is highly judgmental due to the subjectivity of the unobservable inputs (level 3) used in the valuation methodologies used to determine fair
value, especially considering the increased market volatility in the global financial markets after the COVID-19 outbreak. The Company uses valuation
methodologies, primarily the market approach, which requires management to use unobservable inputs (level 3) such as selection of comparable
companies and multiples, expected volatility, discount for lack of marketability and probability of exit events as it relates to liquidation and redemption
preferences when applicable. These unobservable inputs and resulting fair value estimates may be affected by unexpected changes in future market or
economic conditions. The fair value information presented is not as of the period’s end, and is sensitive to changes in the unobservable inputs used to
determine fair value and such changes could result in the fair value at the reporting date to be different from the fair value presented.
Other non-financial assets, intangible assets, licensed copyrights and produced content, would be measured at fair value whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The fair values of non-financial long-lived assets were measured under
income approach, based on the Company’s best estimation. Significant inputs used in the income approach primarily included future estimated cash
flows and discount rate.
F-93
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets held as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 for which a non-recurring fair value
measurement was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020:
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
RMB
Significant
Other
Observable
inputs
(Level 2)
RMB
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
RMB
(In millions)
Total Balance
RMB
US$
Fair value adjustment
US$
RMB
Impairment
RMB US$
Fair value measurements on a non-recurring basis
As of December 31, 2019
Long-term investments
Intangible assets
As of December 31, 2020
22,778
76
14,105
—
Long-term investments (i)
Intangible assets (i)
Mainland China film group—Licensed copyrights as
of March 31, 2020 (ii)
Mainland China film group—Produced contents as
of March 31, 2020 (ii)
Produced content monetized on its own (iii)
14,205
62
2,177
10
7,186
1,101
4,124
40
632
6
367
—
—
—
—
358
—
—
—
—
—
—
8,315
76
13,838
62
7,186
4,124
40
(230)
(9,989)
(406)
3,725
571
(1,862)
(350)
(285)
(54)
(390)
(60)
(210)
(205)
(32)
(31)
(i)
Due to factors such as the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) resulting in declined financial performances and changes in business
circumstances of certain investees, the Company recognized impairment charges of long-term investments as of March 31, 2020 June 30, 2020
and December 31, 2020. For equity securities accounted for under the measurement alternative, when there are observable price changes in
orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, the investments are re-measured to fair value. The Company also
recognized impairment loss on intangible assets as of March 31, 2020.
(ii) The outbreak of COVID-19 during the first quarter of 2020 also has resulted in a downward adjustment to forecasted advertising revenues for the
Mainland China film group. As a result, the Company performed an assessment to determine whether the fair value of the Mainland China film
group was less than its unamortized film costs as of March 31, 2020 with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm. The Company uses a
discounted cash flow approach to estimate the fair value. The Company estimated the most likely future cash flows based on historical results,
economic useful lives or license periods and perception of future performance. The Company has incorporated those cash outflows necessary to
generate the cash inflows, including future production, operation, exploitation and administrative costs, which were estimated at 32%-37% of
revenue in aggregate. The discount rate was determined to be the weighted average cost of capital of the Mainland China film group at 15%. As of
March 31, 2020, the fair value of the Mainland China film group was less than its corresponding carrying value and resulted in the Company
recognizing an impairment charge of RMB390 million (US$60 million) related to licensed copyrights and RMB210 million (US$32 million)
related to produced content, respectively. The impairment charge was recognized as cost of revenues in the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2020.
F-94
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
(iii)
In addition, due to adverse changes in the expected performance of certain produced content and the reduced amount of ultimate revenue expected
to be recognized, an impairment charge of RMB205 million (US$31 million) was recognized for produced content predominantly monetized on its
own and was recognized as cost of revenues in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2020.
26.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Acquisition of YY Live
In November 2020, the Company entered into definitive agreements with JOYY Inc. (“JOYY”), subsequently amended in February 2021, to acquire
JOYY’s domestic video-based entertainment live streaming business in China (“YY Live”) for total cash consideration of US$3.3 billion (equivalent to
approximately RMB21,532 million), subject to certain adjustments, as well as contingent cash consideration of up to US$300 million (equivalent to
approximately RMB2.0 billion) if certain performance conditions are met post-acquisition. The acquisition has been substantially completed, with
certain customary matters remaining to be completed in the near future.
The transaction will be accounted for as a business combination. The initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete as the Company is
still in the process of measuring the fair value of the consideration transferred, identifiable intangible assets and other assets and liabilities to be
recognized upon acquisition, including deferred tax liabilities. Based on information available at this time, the Company determined a preliminary
purchase price allocation based on the following provisional amounts: total consideration transferred of RMB22.1 billion which is mainly allocated to
intangible assets of RMB6.8 billion, deferred tax liabilities of RMB1.0 billion, and resulting provisional goodwill of RMB16.2 billion, respectively.
iQIYI 2026 Notes and follow-on public offering of ADSs of iQIYI
In connection with the issuance of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes on December 21, 2020, an additional US$100 million of principal amount was
issued on January 8, 2021 pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of their option to purchase additional notes. The net proceeds received by iQIYI for this
additional issuance was US$98 million (equivalent to RMB641 million).
In connection with iQIYI’s follow-on offering on December 21, 2020, the underwriters had partially exercised their option to purchase additional ADSs
of iQIYI. The net proceeds received by iQIYI for this issuance of additional Class A ordinary shares was US$78 million (equivalent to RMB510
million).
Unsecured US$ floating rate term loan and revolving loan of the Company
In February 2021, the Company entered into a non-binding term sheet for a term and revolving facility with a group of five mandated lead arrangers,
bookrunners and underwriters, pursuant to which we plan to borrow an unsecured US$ denominated floating rate term loan of US$1.5 billion with a
term of 5 years and to borrow an unsecured US$ denominated revolving loan of US$1.5 billion for 5 years. The facility is intended for our general
working capital use.
F-95
AMENDED AND RESTATED SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Exhibit 4.85
by and between
BAIDU (HONG KONG) LIMITED
MOON SPV LIMITED
JOYY INC.
FUNSTAGE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
TOPSTAGE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)
RUNDERFO INC.
AND
SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSES OF Section 4.3, Section 5.4, Section 6.3, Section 6.4, Section 6.5, Section 6.9 and Article VIII,
MR. DAVID XUELING LI
DATED November 16, 2020
and
AMENDED AND RESTATED February 7, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I INTERPRETATION
Section 1.1 Definitions
Section 1.2 Interpretation
ARTICLE II SALE AND PURCHASE
Section 2.1 Transfer of the Sale Shares
Section 2.2 Consideration
Section 2.3 Specified Restructuring Steps
Section 2.4 Closing
Section 2.5 Payment and Delivery
Section 2.6 Purchase Price Determination and Adjustment
Section 2.7 Second Tranche Payment; Third Tranche Payment; Fourth Tranche Payment
ARTICLE III CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
Section 3.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations
Section 3.2 Conditions to the Buyer Parties’ Obligations
Section 3.3 Conditions to the Seller Parties’ Obligations
Section 3.4 No Other Conditions
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 4.1 Representations and Warranties of the Seller Parties
Section 4.2 Representations and Warranties of the Buyer Parties
Section 4.3 Representations and Warranties of Mr. Li
ARTICLE V COVENANTS WITH RESPECT TO THE PERIOD PRIOR TO CLOSING
Section 5.1 Access and Confidentiality
Section 5.2 Conduct of Target Business
Section 5.3 Restructuring
Section 5.4 No Shop
Section 5.5 Further Assurances
Section 5.6 Publicity
Section 5.7 Certain Authorizations
Section 5.8 Promulgation of Certain Rules
Section 5.9 Additional Escrow Accounts
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
Section 6.1 Tax Filings
Section 6.2 Certain Assets Relating to the Target Business
Section 6.3 General Release
Section 6.4 Non-Disparagement
Section 6.5 Target Business Confidential Information
Section 6.6 Target Business Audit
Section 6.7 Transition Services Agreement
Section 6.8 ODI Approval
i
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17
18
18
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Section 6.9 Incorporation of Non-Compete Undertaking by Reference
Section 6.10 Ticker
Section 6.11 Post-Closing Cooperation
Section 6.12 Adjustments to the Fourth Tranche Consideration
ARTICLE VII TERMINATION
Section 7.1 Termination
Section 7.2 Effect of Termination
ARTICLE VIII INDEMNIFICATION
Section 8.1 Survival of the Representations and Warranties
Section 8.2 Indemnification
Section 8.3 Third Party Claims
Section 8.4 Tax Indemnity
Section 8.5 Direct Claims
Section 8.6 Limitation on Liability
Section 8.7 Investigation
Section 8.8 Tax Gross-Up
Section 8.9 Exclusive Remedy
Section 8.10 Right to Cure
Section 8.11 Tax Treatment of Indemnification Payments
Section 8.12 No Set off
ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.1 Governing Law; Dispute Resolution
Section 9.2 Performance Pending Dispute Resolution
Section 9.3 Amendment; Waiver
Section 9.4 Binding Effect
Section 9.5 Assignment
Section 9.6 Notices
Section 9.7 Entire Agreement
Section 9.8 Severability
Section 9.9 Fees and Expenses
Section 9.10 Confidentiality
Section 9.11 Third Party Rights
Section 9.12 Headings
Section 9.13 Specific Performance
Section 9.14 Counterparts
Section 9.15 Obligations Joint and Several
Section 9.16 Effectiveness
ii
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72
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THIS SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT (as amended, restated, supplemented or modified through the date hereof, this “Agreement”) was
originally entered into on November 16, 2020 and is amended and restated on this February 7, 2021
BY AND BETWEEN:
(1) Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of Hong Kong and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Buyer Parent (the “HK Buyer”);
(2) Moon SPV Limited, a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Buyer” and, together with the HK
Buyer, the “Buyer Parties”);
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
JOYY Inc., a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Seller Parent”);
Funstage Technology Ltd., a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Seller Parent (the “Seller”);
Topstage Technology Ltd., a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the “New WFOE Holdco”);
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0), a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (“Guangzhou Huaduo”);
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0), a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (“Guangzhou Ruicheng”);
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0), a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (together with the Seller
Parent, the Seller, the New WFOE Holdco, Guangzhou Huaduo and Guangzhou Ruicheng, the “Seller Parties”);
(9) Runderfo Inc., a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Target Company”); and
(10) solely for the purposes of Section 4.3, Section 5.4, Section 6.3, Section 6.4, Section 6.5, Section 6.9 and Article VIII, Mr. David Xueling Li, the
chairman and chief executive officer of the Seller Parent (“Mr. Li”).
The parties listed above are each referred to herein as a “Party,” and collectively as the “Parties.”
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Parties entered into a share purchase agreement dated November 16, 2020, pursuant to which the Buyer Parties agreed to
acquire from the Seller Parties, and the Seller Parties agreed to sell to the Buyer Parties, the Target Business and the Contributed Assets on the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth therein (the “Original Share Purchase Agreement”);
1
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to amend and restate the Original Share Purchase Agreement in its entirety by entering into this Agreement;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Li, the Seller Parties and certain Affiliates thereof intend to deliver or cause to be delivered to the Buyer Parties and
certain Affiliates thereof the Non-Compete Undertaking (defined below) on the Closing Date.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the Parties agree that the
Original Share Purchase Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
ARTICLE I
INTERPRETATION
Section 1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
“ABAC Laws” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(p)(i).
“Acceptable Tax Evidence” means (i) written evidence reasonably acceptable to the Buyer that the taxes in connection with the sale and
purchase of the Sale Shares have been paid in full, e.g., a receipt of payment ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)including a(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)) issued by the Relevant PRC Tax
Authority, or (ii) written evidence that the Seller Parties have received definitive confirmation from the Relevant PRC Tax Authority that the Seller
Parties are not required to pay any taxes in connection with the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares.
“Accounting Firm” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(c)(iii).
“Acquisition Proposal” means any offer, proposal or indication of interest (other than an offer, proposal or indication of interest by any
Buyer Party) contemplating or otherwise relating to any (a) merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, issuance of securities, direct
or indirect acquisition of securities, recapitalization, tender offer, exchange offer or other similar transaction involving, or (b) sale, lease, license,
exchange, transfer, acquisition or disposition of, any portion of the Target Business or of the Contributed Assets.
“Action” means any action, suit, litigation, arbitration, investigation, claim or proceeding by or before any Governmental Authority or
tribunal.
“Affiliate” of a Person means (a) in the case of a Person other than a natural person, any other Person that directly or indirectly Controls, is
Controlled by or is under common Control with such Person and (b) in the case of a natural person, any other Person that is directly or indirectly
Controlled by such Person or is a Relative of such Person. For purposes of this Agreement, (i) the Target Group Companies shall be deemed Affiliates of
the Seller Parties prior to the Closing, and (ii) the Target Group Companies (other than the New WFOE Holdco and its Subsidiaries from and after the
Closing) shall be deemed Affiliates of the Buyer Parties from and after the Closing.
2
“Agreed Exchange Rate” means a USD:RMB exchange rate derived from the arithmetic mean of the USD:RMB central parity rates on the
interbank foreign exchange market published by the People’s Bank of China on its website for the ten (10) weekdays immediately preceding the tenth
(10th) Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date.
“Agreed OP Exchange Rate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.12(a)(i).
“Agreed Restructuring Amount” means the aggregate amount, as confirmed by the Buyer and the Seller in writing prior to the Closing, of
payments to be made by or on behalf of the Buyer Parties or their Affiliates to the Seller Parties or their designees on or prior to the Closing pursuant to
the Restructuring Plan.
“Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Anti-Money Laundering Laws” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(p)(iii).
“Authorization” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
“AVSP License” means the Audio-Visual Service Provider License issued by NRTA to Guangzhou Jinhong on or around February 28,
2018.
“Balance Sheet Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(k)(i).
“Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or another day on which commercial banks located in the Cayman Islands, the
British Virgin Islands, New York City, the PRC or Hong Kong are authorized or required by Law or executive order to be closed.
“Buyer” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Buyer Fundamental Representations” means the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.2(a), Section 4.2(b), Section 4.2(c),
and Section 4.2(d).
“Buyer Parent” means Baidu, Inc., a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands.
“Buyer Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Buyer Releasing Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(b).
“Buyer Sale Shares” means (i) all of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Target Company, or (ii) upon occurrence of the
Offshore Sale Toggle Event, seventeen percent (17%) of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Target Company.
“Capitalization Table” means the capitalization table and the organizational chart setting out the capitalization of each of the Target Group
Companies on a fully diluted basis as of the date hereof and as of immediately prior to the Closing upon the completion of the Restructuring, as attached
hereto as Exhibit E (subject to any changes with respect to the PRC domestic enterprises therein made in accordance with the Restructuring Plan).
3
“Circular 7” means Circular No. 7 on Several Issues of Enterprise Income Tax on Income Arising from Indirect Transfers of Property by
Non-resident Enterprises (SAT Bulletin [2015] No. 7) ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)2015(cid:0)(cid:0)7(cid:0))) , dated and effective as of
February 3, 2015, including any amendment, implementing rules, or official interpretation thereof or any replacement, successor or alternative
legislation having the same subject matter thereof.
“Claim Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.3(a).
“Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a).
“Closing Cash” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a)(i) .
“Closing Date” means the date on which the Closing occurs.
“Closing Indebtedness” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a)(ii) .
“Closing Net Working Capital” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a)(iii) .
“Company Fundamental Representations” means the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.1(b),
Section 4.1(c), Section 4.1(d), Section 4.1(e), Section 4.1(f), Section 4.1(g)(i), and Section 4.1(h).
“Confidential Information” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.10(a).
“Consideration” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
“Contemplated Transactions” means the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
“Contract” means, as to any Person, a contract, agreement, indenture, note, bond, loan, instrument, lease, mortgage, franchise, license,
commitment, purchase order, and other legally binding arrangement, whether written or oral.
“Contributed Assets” means all assets, businesses, rights, Permits, Intellectual Property, Information Technology and data that are already
owned by the Target Group Companies or are to be contributed or otherwise transferred by the relevant Seller Parties or their Affiliates to the Target
Group Companies in accordance with the Restructuring Plan.
“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management of a Person,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, credit arrangement or proxy, as trustee, executor or agent or otherwise. For purposes of
this definition, a Person shall be deemed to Control another Person if such first Person, directly or indirectly, owns or holds more than fifty percent
(50%) of the voting Equity Securities in such other Person, or if such first Person, directly or indirectly, is entitled to appoint a majority of the board of
directors, managing partner or other similar governing body or position of such other Person. The terms “Controlled” and “Controls” shall have
meanings correlative to the foregoing.
4
“Determination Time” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a)(iv).
“Disclosure Materials” means (i) the Disclosure Schedule, and (ii) the Seller Parent SEC Documents filed with or furnished to the SEC
between January 1, 2019 and the date hereof but excluding statements in any “Risk Factors” section or similar cautionary, predictive or forward-looking
disclosure in such Seller Parent SEC Documents.
“Disclosure Schedule” means the disclosure schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A.
“Encumbrance” means (a) any mortgage, charge (whether fixed or floating), pledge, lien, hypothecation, assignment, deed of trust, title
retention, security interest or other encumbrance of any kind securing, or conferring any priority of payment in respect of, any obligation of any Person,
including any right granted by a transaction which, in legal terms, is not the granting of security but which has an economic or financial effect similar to
the granting of security under applicable Law, (b) any proxy, power of attorney, voting trust agreement, interest, option, right of first offer, negotiation or
refusal or transfer restriction in favor of any Person and (c) any adverse claim as to title, possession or use.
“Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s capital stock, membership interests, partnership interests, registered
capital, joint venture or other ownership interests or any options, warrants or other securities that are directly or indirectly convertible into, or
exercisable or exchangeable for, such capital stock, membership interests, partnership interests, registered capital, joint venture or other ownership
interests (whether or not such derivative securities are issued by such Person).
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.
“Excluded Businesses” means all the assets, businesses, rights, Permits, Intellectual Property, Information Technology and data of any
Seller Party or its Affiliates other than the Target Business.
“Existing Escrow Account” means the “Escrow Account” as defined in the Existing Escrow Agreement.
“Existing Escrow Agent” means Citibank, N.A., Hong Kong Branch.
“Existing Escrow Agreement” means the Escrow Agreement, dated October 27, 2020, by and between Baidu Holdings Limited, Duowan
Entertainment Corporation and the Existing Escrow Agent, as amended.
“Existing Escrow Amount” means an amount in U.S. Dollar cash equal to US$80,000,000, being the amount deposited by an Affiliate of
the HK Buyer and existing in the Existing Escrow Account as of the date of this Agreement.
“FCPA” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(p)(i).
“Final Closing Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(c)(iv).
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“Financial Statements” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(k)(i).
“First Tranche Consideration” means an amount in U.S. Dollar cash equal to US$2,000,000,000, as adjusted pursuant to the terms and
conditions herein.
“Fourth Tranche Consideration” means an amount in U.S. Dollar cash equal to US$300,000,000, as may be adjusted pursuant to the terms
and conditions herein.
“Fourth Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount” means the RMB equivalent of the Fourth Tranche Consideration, calculated at the
Agreed Exchange Rate.
“Governmental Authority” means any government or political subdivision thereof, whether on a federal, central, state, provincial,
municipal or local level and whether executive, legislative or judicial in nature, including any agency, authority, board, bureau, commission, court,
department or other instrumentality thereof and any governing body of any securities exchange.
“Guangzhou Huaduo” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Guangzhou Jinhong” means (cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0), a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the PRC.
“Guangzhou Ruicheng” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Guangzhou Yiling” means (cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0), a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the PRC.
“HK Buyer” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“HK Buyer Sale Shares” means (i) one hundred percent (100%) of the issued and outstanding share capital of the WFOE owned by the
New WFOE Holdco, being eight-three percent (83%) of the issued and outstanding share capital of the WFOE, or (ii) upon occurrence of the Offshore
Sale Toggle Event, eight-three percent (83%) of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Target Company.
“HK Company” means Goldenage Technology Investment Group Limited, a company with limited liability incorporated in Hong Kong.
“HKIAC” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.
“Hong Kong” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
“Host” means individual users of live streaming platforms who conduct live streaming activities on such platforms (including, but not
limited to via personal computers, mobile devices, websites and other new social media platforms).
“Huya Non-Compete Undertaking” means the Non-Compete Agreement ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)) entered into by and between Guangzhou Huaduo and
Guangzhou Huya Information Technology Co., Ltd. ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)) on March 8, 2018, and the supplemental agreement thereto entered into by the
same parties on the same date.
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“Initial Necessary Assets Disclosure” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(i)(iii).
“In-Scope Assets” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
“In-Scope Employees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
“In-Scope Products” means the items set forth in Part 2 of Appendix B-7 to the Restructuring Plan.
“Indebtedness” means, as of any time with respect to any Person, without duplication, all obligations (including all obligations in respect
of principal, accrued interest, penalties, breakage costs, consent payments, fees and premiums (including redemption premiums)) (a) for borrowed
money and related interest payables, (b) evidenced by notes, bonds or debentures, (c) under capital leases, (d) for unpaid purchase price obligations in
respect of any merger, acquisition, investment or purchase of fixed assets or other long-term assets, and (e) in the nature of guarantees of the obligations
described in clauses (a) through (d) above of any other Person.
“Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(d).
“Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(d).
“Indemnity Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.5.
“Information Technology” means all computer systems, telecommunication systems, software (and the tangible media on which it is
stored) and hardware including source and object code, cabling, routers, switched, racks, servers, PCs, laptops, terminals, scanners, printers, all
associated peripherals and all other information technology assets, including all documentation relating to the foregoing, (a) owned or used by any of the
Target Group Companies or (b) licensed or leased to any of the Target Group Companies.
“Intellectual Property” means any and all (a) patents (including all reissues, divisionals, provisionals, continuations, continuations in part,
re-examinations, renewals and extensions thereof), patent applications, and other patent rights, (b) trademarks, service marks, tradenames, brand names,
logos, slogans, trade dress, design rights, and other similar designations of source or origin, together with all goodwill associated with any of the
foregoing and applications, registrations and renewals in connection therewith, (c) copyrights, mask works, and copyrightable works, and all
applications, registrations for and renewals in connection therewith, (d) internet domain names, web addresses, web pages, websites and related content,
accounts with social media companies and the content found thereon and related thereto, and uniform resource locators, (e) proprietary computer
software, including source code, object code and supporting documentation for such computer software, (f) trade secrets and proprietary information,
including confidential business information, technical data, customer lists, data collections, methods and inventions (whether or not patentable and
where or not reduced to practice), (g) copies and tangible embodiments of any of the foregoing and (h) all other intellectual property, whether or not
registrable, in each case, under any Law or statutory provision or common law doctrine in any country.
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“Key Hosts” means, collectively, Key Hosts Category I, Key Hosts Category II and Key Hosts Category III.
“Key Hosts and Talent Agencies Contracts” means, collectively, the contracts with Key Hosts and Key Talent Agencies.
“Key Hosts Category I” means the top Hosts in terms of remuneration and compensation provided by the Seller Parties and their Affiliates
to such Host that in aggregate account for no less than twenty percent (20%) of the total remuneration and compensation provided by the Seller Parties
and their Affiliates to the Hosts in connection with the Target Business during the period from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
“Key Hosts Category II” means the top Hosts (excluding Key Hosts Category I) in terms of remuneration and compensation provided by
the Seller Parties and their Affiliates to such Host that in aggregate account for no less than fifty percent (50%) of the total remuneration and
compensation provided by the Seller Parties and their Affiliates to the Hosts in connection with the Target Business during the period from January 1,
2020 to June 30, 2020.
“Key Hosts Category III” means the top Hosts (excluding Key Hosts Category I and Key Hosts Category II) in terms of remuneration and
compensation provided by the Seller Parties and their Affiliates to such Host that in aggregate account for no less than ninety percent (90%) of the total
remuneration and compensation provided by the Seller Parties and their Affiliates to the Hosts in connection with the Target Business during the period
from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
“Key Talent Agencies” means, collectively, Key Talent Agencies Category I, Key Talent Agencies Category II and Key Talent Agencies
Category III.
“Key Talent Agencies Category I” means the top Talent Agencies in terms of remuneration and compensation provided by the Seller
Parties and their Affiliates to such Talent Agency that in aggregate accounts for no less than twenty percent (20%) of the total remuneration and
compensation provided by the Seller Parties and their Affiliates to the Talent Agencies in connection with the Target Business during the period from
January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
“Key Talent Agencies Category II” means the top Talent Agencies (excluding Key Talent Agencies Category I) in terms of remuneration
and compensation provided by the Seller Parties and their Affiliates to such Talent Agency that in aggregate accounts for no less than fifty percent
(50%) of the total remuneration and compensation provided by the Seller Parties and their Affiliates to the Talent Agencies in connection with the Target
Business during the period from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
“Key Talent Agencies Category III” means the top Talent Agencies (excluding Key Talent Agencies Category I and Key Talent Agencies
Category II) in terms of remuneration and compensation provided by the Seller Parties and their Affiliates to such Talent Agency that in aggregate
accounts for no less than ninety percent (90%) of the total remuneration and compensation provided by the Seller Parties and their Affiliates to the
Talent Agencies in connection with the Target Business during the period from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
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“Law” or “Laws” means all applicable laws, regulations, rules and Orders of any Governmental Authority, securities exchange or other
self-regulating body, including any common or customary law, constitution, code, ordinance, statute or other legislative measure and any regulation,
rule, treaty, Order, decree or judgment.
“Leased Real Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(q).
“Leases” means all leases, subleases, licenses, concessions and other agreements, including all amendments, extensions, renewals,
guarantees and other agreements with respect thereto, pursuant to which any Target Group Company or any Seller Party holds any Leased Real Property.
“Liabilities” means any and all debts, liabilities, commitments and obligations of any kind, whether fixed, contingent or absolute, matured
or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, accrued or not accrued, asserted or not asserted, known or unknown, determined, determinable or otherwise,
and whenever or however arising (including whether arising out of any contract or tort based on negligence or strict liability).
“Licensed Intellectual Property” means all Intellectual Property owned by any Person other than a Target Group Company and licensed or
sublicensed to any Target Group Company, or any Seller Party for use in the Target Business, or for which any Target Group Company, or any Seller
Party for use in the Target Business, has obtained a covenant not to be sued.
“Long Stop Date” means the date falling six (6) months after the date hereof; provided that if as of such date (x) the condition set forth in
the second sentence of Section 3.1(a) has not been satisfied and the relevant Parties are not then in material breach of their respective obligations under
Section 5.7, and (y) all other conditions set forth in ARTICLE III have been satisfied or waived, or are not satisfied but remain capable of being
satisfied, the Long Stop Date shall automatically be extended once to the date falling nine (9) months after the date hereof.
“Losses” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(a).
“Material Adverse Effect” means any event, fact, circumstance or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, results in or would
reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change in or a material adverse effect on (a) the condition, assets, liabilities, results of operations,
business or prospects of the Target Business, the Contributed Assets and the Target Group Companies, taken as a whole, or (b) the ability of any of the
Seller Parties and Target Group Companies to consummate the Contemplated Transactions; provided that in determining whether a Material Adverse
Effect has occurred, there shall be excluded any effect on the Target Business, the Contributed Assets or the Target Group Companies to the extent
arising out of (i) any action required to be taken pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or another Transaction Document, or taken at the specific
written request of any Buyer Party, (ii) changes in general economic and market conditions (including general capital market conditions) affecting the
industry in which the Target Business or the Target Group Companies operates, to the extent that such changes do not have a unique or disproportionate
impact on the Target Business or the Target Group Companies, (iii) any occurrence, continuation or escalation of natural disaster, pandemic, hostilities
of war or any act of terrorism, (iv) changes in Laws (or the application or interpretation thereof) or the US GAAP, or (v) any change in the Seller
Parent’s stock price or trading volume, in and of itself and excluding the underlying circumstances or reasons for such change; except, in the case of
clause (ii), (iii) or (iv), to the extent having a materially disproportionate effect on the Target Business, the Contributed Assets or the Target Group
Companies relative to other participants that are in the same industry as the Target Business (in which case the incremental materially disproportionate
impact or impacts may be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse Effect).
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“Material Contract” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(n)(i).
“MOFCOM” means the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)) or its competent local counterparts.
“Mr. Li” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“New WFOE Holdco” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Non-Compete Undertaking” means the Non-Compete Undertaking in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, to be entered
into on the Closing Date by and between the parties named therein.
“Non-Compete Undertaking Provisions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.9.
“Notice of Disagreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(c)(ii).
“NRTA” means the National Radio and Television Administration of the PRC ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)) or its local counterparts.
“ODI Approvals” means all overseas direct investment approvals, consents, authorizations and registrations required under all applicable
Laws by (i) the National Development and Reform Commission of the PRC or its local counterparts; (ii) the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC or its
local counterparts; and (iii) the State Administration for Foreign Exchange or its local branches (including through the relevant foreign exchange banks),
in each case, relating to the investment in the Target Group Companies by the applicable Buyer Parties (or their Affiliates) contemplated hereunder.
“Offshore Sale Toggle Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b).
“OP Accounting Firm” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.12(b).
“OP Benchmark” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.12(a)(ii).
“OP Deviation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.12(a)(iii).
“Operating Profits” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.12(a)(vi).
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“Order” means any order, ruling, decision, verdict, decree, writ, subpoena, mandate, command, directive, consent, approval, award,
judgment, injunction or other similar determination or finding by, before or under the supervision of any Governmental Authority.
“Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary shares, par value US$1.00 per share, in the share capital of the Target Company.
“Original Share Purchase Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Owned Intellectual Property” means all Intellectual Property owned, co-owned or purported to be owned or co-owned by the Target
Group Companies, or the Seller Parties (or their Affiliates) for use in the Target Business.
“Party” and “Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Permits” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(j).
“Person” means any natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, trust, public body or government or other entity
of any kind or nature. A reference to any “Person” shall, where the context permits, include such Person’s executors, administrators, legal
representatives and permitted successors and assigns.
“Post 2021 Adjustment Fourth Tranche Consideration” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.12(d).
“Post 2022 Adjustment Fourth Tranche Consideration” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.12(e).
“PRC” means the People’s Republic of China, but for purposes of this Agreement, excluding Hong Kong, the Macau Special
Administrative Region and Taiwan.
“Pre-Closing Balance Sheet” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a)(v).
“Pre-Closing Cash” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a)(vi).
“Pre-Closing Indebtedness” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a)(vii).
“Pre-Closing Net Working Capital” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a)(viii).
“Preliminary Closing Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(c)(i).
“Profit Adjustment Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.12(b).
“Profit Adjustment Statement Deadline” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.12(b).
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“Relative” of a natural person means such Person’s spouse, parents, children and siblings, whether by blood, marriage or adoption.
“Relevant Action or Inquiry” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.11(a).
“Relevant PRC Tax Authority” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(b).
“Reporting Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(b).
“Representatives” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(p)(i).
“Restructuring” means, collectively, all transactions expressly contemplated by the Restructuring Plan.
“Restructuring Documents” means any agreements, documents or certificates delivered pursuant to the Restructuring Plan or otherwise in
connection with the Restructuring.
“Restructuring Plan” means the Restructuring Plan attached hereto as Exhibit B.
“RMB Escrow Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.9(b).
“RMB Escrow Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.9(b).
“RMB Escrow Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.9(b).
“Rulings” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(r)(vii).
“Sale Shares” means, collectively and without duplication, the Buyer Sale Shares and the HK Buyer Sale Shares.
“SAMR” means the State Administration for Market Regulation of the PRC ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)) or its competent local
“Sanctions Laws” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(p)(ii).
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States.
“Second Tranche Consideration” means an amount in U.S. Dollar cash equal to US$1,000,000,000, as may be adjusted pursuant to
counterparts.
Section 6.7.
“Second Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount” means the RMB equivalent of the Second Tranche Consideration, calculated at the
Agreed Exchange Rate.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder.
“Seller” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
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“Seller Bank Account” means a bank account designated by the Seller by written notice to the Buyer Parties no later than ten
(10) Business Days prior to the Closing Date; provided that, after the Closing Date, the Seller may from time to time designate another bank account as
the Seller Bank Account by providing written notice to the Buyer Parties no later than ten (10) Business Days in advance.
“Seller Parent” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Seller Parent SEC Documents” means all registration statements, proxy statements and other statements, reports, schedules, forms and
other documents that have been filed or furnished by the Seller Parent with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act and the Securities Act and available
to the public at the SEC’s website, and all exhibits included therein and financial statements, notes and schedules thereto and documents incorporated by
reference therein.
“Seller Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Seller Releasing Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
“Social Media Account Names” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(s)(x).
“Social Media Accounts” means any and all accounts, profiles, pages, feeds, registrations and other presences on or in connection with any
(i) social media or social networking website or online service, (ii) blog or microblog, (iii) mobile application, (iv) e-commerce platform, (v) photo,
video or other content-sharing website, (vi) virtual game world or virtual social world, (vii) rating and review website, (viii) wiki or similar collaborative
content website or (ix) message board, bulletin board, or similar forum.
“Software” means any and all (a) computer programs, applications, systems and software, including any and all software implementations
of algorithms, models and methodologies and any and all source code, object code, development and design tools, applets, compilers and assemblers,
(b) databases and compilations, including any and all libraries and collections of data whether machine readable or otherwise, (c) descriptions, flow-
charts and other work product used to design, plan, organize and develop any of the foregoing, (d) technology supporting, and the contents and
audiovisual displays of, any internet site(s), and (e) documentation and media, including user manuals and training materials, relating to or embodying
any of the foregoing or on which any of the foregoing recorded.
“Specified Indemnity Matter” means any of the matters set forth in Exhibit I hereto.
“Specified Restructuring Steps” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other organization, whether
incorporated or unincorporated, which is Controlled by such Person. For the avoidance of doubt, a “variable interest entity” Controlled by a Person shall
be deemed to be a Subsidiary of such Person.
“Supplemental Necessary Assets Disclosure” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 (i)(iii).
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“Talent Agencies” means online and offline entities that cooperate with live streaming platforms to provide broker and management
services (including without limitation recruiting, training, negotiating business arrangements of, promoting and/or providing marketing services for the
Hosts) and have entered into revenue sharing arrangements with such live streaming platform.
“Target Business” means (i) the PRC domestic video-based entertainment live streaming business, (ii) business of operating each of the
In-Scope Products on the PC platform, the mobile platform and new social media platforms, (iii) the business of operating the end-to-end R&D
back-end platform ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)) and customer service for the In-Scope Products, and (iv) the business of operating any middle-platform general
capacities ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)) or basic services ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)) that currently are primarily used in, primarily related to or essential to any In-Scope Product.
“Target Business Confidential Information” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.5.
“Target Business Entity” means any Target Group Company and any of the Seller Parties and their Affiliates to the extent it owns or
operates any Target Business or Contributed Assets.
“Target Cash and Cash Equivalents” as of a specified time means the cash, cash equivalents (including marketable securities, foreign
exchange contracts, short term investments, time deposits and cash held in escrow and security deposits), checks received but not cleared and deposits in
transit of the Target Business, less any cash overdrafts, issued but uncleared checks or other negative balances, in each case, as of the specified time and
measured in accordance with the US GAAP.
“Target Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Target Company Employee Agreement” means any management, employment, severance, change in control, transaction bonus,
consulting, or other similar contract between any Target Group Company or, with respect to any Transferred Employee, any Seller Party or its Affiliates,
on the one hand, and any current or former Target Company Personnel, on the other hand, pursuant to which any Target Group Company has any
Liability.
“Target Company Employee Plan” means any written plan, program, policy, practice, contract or other arrangement providing for
compensation, severance, termination pay, deferred compensation, performance awards, share or share-related awards, material fringe benefits or other
material employee benefits or remuneration of any kind, that is maintained, contributed to or required to be contributed to by any Target Group
Company or, with respect to any Transferred Employee, any Seller Party or its Affiliates.
“Target Company Personnel” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(u)(iii).
“Target Group Companies” means (i) the Target Company, the New WFOE Holdco and all of their respective Subsidiaries from time to
time, and (ii) any other entity that, prior to the Closing becomes, or is required by the Restructuring Plan to become, a Subsidiary of the Target Company
or the New WFOE Holdco.
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“Target Indebtedness” as of a specified time means, without duplication, all Indebtedness of the Target Business as of such time, but
excluding (x) Indebtedness owed by one Target Group Company to another Target Group Company, or (y) any amounts that are included as an offset to
Target Cash and Cash Equivalents.
“Target Net Working Capital” as of a specified time means (i) (a) one hundred percent (100%) of the consolidated current assets
(excluding Target Cash and Cash Equivalents, amounts receivable from a Target Group Company and deferred Tax assets of the Target Group
Companies) of the Target Business, minus (b) one hundred percent (100%) of the consolidated current liabilities (excluding all Indebtedness and
amounts payable to a Target Group Company) of the Target Business, in each case as of the specified time and determined in accordance with the
US GAAP. The Target Net Working Capital may be either positive or zero or negative.
“Tax” means any tax, duty, deduction, withholding, impost, levy, fee, assessment or charge of any nature whatsoever (including income,
franchise, value added, sales, use, excise, stamp, customs, documentary, transfer, withholding, property, capital, employment, payroll, ad valorem, net
worth or gross receipts taxes and any social security, unemployment or other mandatory contributions) imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed
by any local, municipal, regional, urban, governmental, state, national or other Governmental Authority and any interest, addition to tax, penalty,
surcharge or fine in connection therewith, including any obligations to indemnify or otherwise assume, bear or succeed to the liability of any other
Person with respect to any of the foregoing items by virtue of any Laws or contractual arrangements.
“Tax Authority” means any Governmental Authority responsible for the imposition of any Tax.
“Tax Escrow Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.9(a).
“Tax Escrow Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.9(a).
“Tax Escrow Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.9(a).
“Tax Escrow Amount” means an amount in U.S. Dollar cash equal to US$288,000,000.
“Tax Grant” means any Tax exemption, Tax holiday or reduced Tax rate granted by a Tax Authority with respect to any Target Group
Company that is not generally available to Persons without specific application therefor.
“Tax Return” means any Tax return, statement, report, election, declaration, disclosure, schedule or form (including any estimated tax or
information return or report) filed or required to be filed with any Tax Authority by any Target Group Company.
“Tax Sharing Agreement” means any Contract (whether written or oral), a principal purpose of which is the sharing, allocation or
indemnification of Taxes.
15
“Third Party Claim” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.3(a).
“Third Tranche Consideration” means an amount in U.S. Dollar cash equal to US$300,000,000.
“Third Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount” means the RMB equivalent of the Third Tranche Consideration, calculated at the Agreed
Exchange Rate.
“Transaction Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Non-Compete Undertaking, the Transition Services Agreement (from
and after its execution), the Restructuring Plan, the Restructuring Documents, and any other agreements, documents or instruments delivered pursuant
hereto or thereto.
“Transferred Contracts” means the contracts that are required by the terms of the Restructuring Plan to be transferred to the Target Group
Companies.
“Transferred Employees” means the employees identified in the Restructuring Plan, each of whom have ceased or will cease, in
accordance with the Restructuring Plan, his or her employment with a Seller Party or its applicable Affiliates (other than the Target Group Companies)
and have entered into or will enter into, in accordance with the Restructuring Plan, an employment relationship with the Target Company or its
applicable Subsidiaries.
“Transition Services Agreement” means the Transition Services Agreement to be agreed and entered into by and between certain Seller
Parties (or their Affiliates) and certain Buyer Parties (or their Affiliates) on or prior to the Closing; provided that the Transition Services Agreement shall
abide by and reflect the principles attached hereto as Exhibit F.
“TSA Escrow Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.9(c).
“TSA Escrow Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.9(c).
“TSA Escrow Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.9(c).
“TSA Escrow Amount” means an amount in RMB cash equal to RMB200,000,000.
“Unadjusted Portion of the Fourth Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount” means (x) the Fourth Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount,
minus (y) the OP 2021 Deviation, minus (z) the OP 2022 Deviation; provided that if the Unadjusted Portion of the Fourth Tranche Consideration
Deposit Amount as calculated above is a negative number, the Unadjusted Portion of the Fourth Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount shall be equal
to zero (0).
“US GAAP” means the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
“WFOE” means (cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0), a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the PRC.
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“Wholly-Owned Target Group Companies” means, collectively, (i) the Target Company, (ii) Guangzhou Yiling and Guangzhou Jinhong,
and (iii) any other Target Group Company that is, directly or indirectly, wholly-owned by the Target Company, Guangzhou Yiling or Guangzhou
Jinhong.
Section 1.2 Interpretation. Unless the express context otherwise requires:
shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement;
(a) the words “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereto,” “herein,” and “hereunder” and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement,
(b) any statement that is qualified by “to the knowledge of” any Person or any similar expression is deemed to be given by reference
to the knowledge of such Person after due and diligent inquiries of the Representatives, Subsidiaries and Affiliates of such Person, provided, however,
that “to the knowledge of the Seller Parties” means the actual knowledge after due inquiry of any individual set forth in Exhibit H hereto, and “to the
knowledge of Mr. Li” means the actual knowledge of Mr. Li after due inquiry;
(c) the terms defined in the singular have a comparable meaning when used in the plural, and vice versa;
(d) any references herein to “US$”, “$”or “U.S. Dollars” are to United States Dollars, and any references herein to “RMB” are to
PRC Renminbi;
Sections, Schedules, Exhibits, Recitals or Preamble of this Agreement, unless otherwise specified;
(e) any references herein to a specific Section, Schedule or Exhibit or to the Recitals or Preamble shall refer, respectively, to
(f) wherever the word “include,” “includes” or “including” is used in this Agreement, it shall be deemed to be followed by the words
“without limitation”;
(g) references herein to any gender shall include each other gender as the context requires;
(h) the word “or” shall not be exclusive;
(i) references to “written” or “in writing” include in electronic form;
(j) the Parties have each participated in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and if an ambiguity or question of
interpretation should arise, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption of burden of proof shall arise
favoring or burdening any Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision in this Agreement;
(k) reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors and permitted assigns;
(l) any reference to “days” shall mean calendar days unless Business Days are expressly specified;
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(m) when calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant
to this Agreement, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded and if the last day of such period is not a Business Day,
the period shall end on the next succeeding Business Day;
(n) any reference to the “date hereof” or “date of this Agreement” shall mean November 16, 2020 except expressly provided
otherwise;
addressed matters as of an earlier date, in which case, applicable Law shall be deemed to mean the applicable Law in effect as of that date);
(o) any reference to any Law shall be deemed to refer to the applicable Law in effect as of the date hereof (unless the applicable Law
agreement or instrument as amended, novated or supplemented; and
(p) any reference in this Agreement to any agreement or instrument (other than the Disclosure Schedule) is a reference to that
for the purposes of this Agreement, such conversion or translation shall be conducted at the Agreed Exchange Rate.
(q) unless otherwise indicated, if the conversion or translation to USD of any amount expressed in RMB (or vice versa) is necessary
ARTICLE II
SALE AND PURCHASE
Section 2.1 Transfer of the Sale Shares. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing:
(a) if the Offshore Sale Toggle Event has not occurred,
(i) the Seller shall, and each of the Seller Parties shall cause the Seller to, transfer to the Buyer, and the Buyer shall, and each of
the Buyer Parties shall cause the Buyer to, accept from the Seller, the Buyer Sale Shares and all rights and privileges attaching thereto, free of
Encumbrances; and
(ii) the New WFOE Holdco shall, and each of the Seller Parties shall cause the New WFOE Holdco to, transfer to the HK
Buyer, and the HK Buyer shall, and each of the Buyer Parties shall cause the HK Buyer to, accept from the New WFOE Holdco, the HK Buyer
Sale Shares and all rights and privileges attaching thereto, free of Encumbrances.
(b) if the Offshore Sale Toggle Event has occurred,
(i) the Seller shall, and each of the Seller Parties shall cause the Seller to, transfer to the Buyer, and the Buyer shall, and each of
the Buyer Parties shall cause the Buyer to, accept from the Seller, the Buyer Sale Shares and all rights and privileges attaching thereto, free of
Encumbrances; and
(ii) the Seller shall, and each of the Seller Parties shall cause the Seller to, transfer to the HK Buyer, and the HK Buyer shall,
and each of the Buyer Parties shall cause the Buyer to, accept from the Seller, the HK Buyer Sale Shares and all rights and privileges attaching
thereto, free of Encumbrances.
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Section 2.2 Consideration. The aggregate consideration for the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares (the “Consideration”) shall be a cash
amount in U.S. Dollar equal to the sum of the First Tranche Consideration, the Second Tranche Consideration, the Third Tranche Consideration and the
Fourth Tranche Consideration, in each case, as determined, adjusted and paid in accordance with the terms and conditions herein. The Parties agree and
acknowledge that the agreed enterprise value for the Target Business on a cash-free and debt-free basis is US$3,600,000,000, based on which the
Consideration will be calculated pursuant to the terms and conditions herein.
Section 2.3 Specified Restructuring Steps.
(a) Subject to Section 2.3(b), as soon as possible but in any event within fifteen (15) Business Days after the date hereof, (i) the
Seller will cause the transfer of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the HK Company to the Target Company at nil or nominal price, so that the
Target Company becomes the HK Company’s sole shareholder, and (ii) each applicable Seller Party shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the New
WFOE Holdco to subscribe for, with or without consideration, newly issued equity interests of the WFOE so that immediately after such issuance, the
New WFOE Holdco and the HK Company will hold eighty-three percent (83%) and seventeen percent (17%), respectively, of the issued and
outstanding equity interests of the WFOE (the actions in item (i) and (ii) together, the “Specified Restructuring Steps”), and (iii) the Seller Parent shall
provide the Buyer Parties with evidence of completion of any Specified Restructuring Step promptly after the completion thereof.
(b) In the event (the “Offshore Sale Toggle Event”) that (x) on any date prior to December 24, 2020, the Buyer and the Seller
mutually agree that the Specified Restructuring Step set forth in Section 2.3(a)(ii) is not reasonably likely to be completed prior to December 31, 2020,
or (y) as of December 24, 2020, the Specified Restructuring Step set forth in Section 2.3(a)(ii) has not been completed in spite of each applicable Seller
Party’s reasonable best efforts to complete such Specified Restructuring Step, then the Seller Parties shall have no further obligation to complete the
Specified Restructuring Step set forth in Section 2.3(a)(ii), provided that the Seller Parties shall ensure that the WFOE shall remain wholly-owned,
directly or indirectly, by the Target Company as of immediately prior to the Closing.
Section 2.4 Closing.
(a) The transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall take place at a closing (the “Closing”) at the offices of Skadden, Arps,
Slate, Meagher & Flom, 42/F Edinburgh Tower, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong on the tenth (10th) Business Day following the
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in ARTICLE III (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, but
subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions), or at such other time and place as the Buyer and the Seller may agree in writing.
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(b) All proceedings to be taken and all documents to be executed and delivered by all Parties at the Closing shall be deemed to have
been taken and executed simultaneously, and none of such proceedings shall be deemed taken, and none of such documents shall be deemed executed
and delivered, unless and until all such proceedings are taken and all such documents are executed and delivered by all Parties.
Section 2.5 Payment and Delivery. At the Closing:
(a) Deliveries by the Buyer Parties. The Buyer Parties shall,
(i) pay or cause to be paid to the Seller a cash amount equal to (x) the First Tranche Consideration, less (y) the sum of (A) the
Tax Escrow Amount, (B) the Existing Escrow Amount and (C) the Agreed Restructuring Amount, by wire transfer of immediately available funds
in U.S. Dollars to the Seller Bank Account;
(ii) together with Duowan Entertainment Corporation (and the Seller Parties shall procure Duowan Entertainment Corporation
to), deliver a joint written instruction to the Existing Escrow Agent to release to the Seller (or its designee) the Existing Escrow Amount (together
with all interest that may have accrued thereon);
(iii) together with the Seller or its applicable Affiliate (and the Seller Parties shall procure the Seller or its applicable Affiliate
to), deliver a joint written instruction to the TSA Escrow Agent to release to the Seller (or its designee) the TSA Escrow Amount (together with all
interest that may have accrued thereon), if and only if the Transition Services Agreement has been agreed, executed and delivered as of the
Closing Date;
(iv) deposit or cause to be deposited in the Tax Escrow Account, by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S.
Dollars, the Tax Escrow Amount;
(v) deposit or cause to be deposited in the RMB Escrow Account the sum of the Second Tranche Consideration Deposit
Amount, the Third Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount and the Fourth Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount, by wire transfer of
immediately available funds in RMB;
Affiliates thereof, if the Transition Services Agreement is in agreed form as of the Closing Date; and
(vi) deliver or cause to be delivered the Transition Services Agreement, duly executed by the applicable Buyer Parties or
(vii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Seller or its applicable Affiliates such amounts (including, to the extent not already
paid, the Agreed Restructuring Amount), documents and instruments required to be delivered by the Buyer Parties or their Affiliates at the Closing
under the Restructuring Plan.
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(b) Deliveries by the Seller Parties.
(i) if the Offshore Sale Toggle Event has not occurred,
(1) (x) the Seller shall transfer the Buyer Sale Shares to the Buyer by executing an instrument of transfer dated the
Closing Date and in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D-1, and (y) the New WFOE Holdco shall transfer the HK Buyer Sale Shares to the HK
Buyer by executing a short-form equity interest transfer agreement dated the Closing Date and in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D-2 (and the
HK Buyer shall duly countersign the same).
(2) (x) the Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Buyer and the HK Buyer the register of members of the
Target Company, reflecting that the Buyer is the holder of the Buyer Sale Shares and the sole shareholder of the Target Company (provided that
the Buyer shall have reasonably cooperated with the customary know-your-client process as may be required by the registered agent of the Target
Company with respect to the incoming shareholders of the Target Company), and (y) the Seller shall submit to the SAMR all such documents and
filings that are necessary for the amendment registration and/or record filing with the SAMR to record the transfer of the HK Buyer Sale Shares to
the HK Buyer;
(ii) if the Offshore Sale Toggle Event has occurred,
executing one or more instruments of transfer, each dated the Closing Date and in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D-1, and
(1) the Seller shall transfer the Buyer Sale Shares to the Buyer and the HK Buyer Sale Shares to the HK Buyer by
(2) the Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Buyer and the HK Buyer the register of members of the Target
Company, reflecting that the Buyer is the holder of the Buyer Sale and the HK Buyer is the holder of the HK Buyer Sale Shares and the Buyer and
the HK Buyer are the only shareholders of the Target Company (provided that the Buyer and the HK Buyer shall have reasonably cooperated with
the customary know-your-client process as may be required by the registered agent of the Target Company with respect to the incoming
shareholders of the Target Company);
(iii) the Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Buyer (A) a letter of resignation, addressed to the Target Company,
duly executed by each of the then-existing directors of the Target Company, and (B) a certified true copy of the register of directors of the Target
Company evidencing that the board of directors of the Target Company consists solely of designees of the Buyer (provided that, in the case of (B),
the Buyer shall have notified the Seller of such designees no later than the fifth (5th) Business Day prior to the Closing Date and shall have
reasonably cooperated with the customary know-your-client process as may be required by the registered agent of the Target Company with
respect to the incoming directors of the Target Company);
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Parties or Affiliates thereof, if the Transition Services Agreement is in agreed form as of the Closing Date;
(iv) the Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered the Transition Services Agreement, duly executed by the applicable Seller
(v) the Seller shall, together with the Buyer or its applicable Affiliate (and the Buyer Parties shall procure the Buyer or its
applicable Affiliate to), deliver a joint written instruction to the TSA Escrow Agent to release to the Seller (or its designee) the TSA Escrow
Amount (together with all interest that may have accrued thereon), if and only if the Transition Services Agreement has been agreed, executed and
delivered as of the Closing Date; and
required to be delivered by the Seller or its Affiliates at the Closing under the Restructuring Plan.
(vi) the Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Buyer or its applicable Affiliates such documents and instruments
For purposes of this Section 2.5, the performance of payment obligations by the Buyer Parties on the Closing Date shall be evidenced by delivery by or
on behalf of the Buyer to the Seller on the Closing Date of an irrevocable payment instruction in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Seller
(it being agreed that an “MT-103” or “MT-202” message issued by the remitting bank showing the correct receiving bank account and transfer amount
shall be acceptable), provided that, in the event that the funds represented by such payment instruction do not timely arrive, the Buyer Parties shall
reasonably cooperate with the Seller in tracing such funds.
Section 2.6 Purchase Price Determination and Adjustment.
(a) Certain Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement:
Closing occurs no later than February 8, 2021, as of the Determination Time on January 31, 2021).
(i) “Closing Cash” means the Target Cash and Cash Equivalents as of the Determination Time on the Closing Date (or, if the
occurs no later than February 8, 2021, as of the Determination Time on January 31, 2021).
(ii) “Closing Indebtedness” means the Target Indebtedness as of the Determination Time on the Closing Date (or, if the Closing
(or, if the Closing occurs no later than February 8, 2021, as of the Determination Time on January 31, 2021).
(iii) “Closing Net Working Capital” means the Target Net Working Capital as of the Determination Time on the Closing Date
(iv) “Determination Time” means 6:00 p.m., Hong Kong time as of the relevant date.
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2020.
(v) “Pre-Closing Balance Sheet” means the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Target Business as of September 30,
(vi) “Pre-Closing Cash” means the Target Cash and Cash Equivalents as of the Determination Time on September 30, 2020.
(vii) “Pre-Closing Indebtedness” means the Target Indebtedness as of the Determination Time on September 30, 2020.
(viii) “Pre-Closing Net Working Capital” means the Target Net Working Capital as of the Determination Time on
September 30, 2020.
(b) Pre-Closing Adjustment. No later than the fifteenth (15th) Business Day prior to the Closing Date, the Seller shall deliver to the
Buyer the Pre-Closing Balance Sheet and the Seller’s good faith calculations of the amounts of the Pre-Closing Cash, the Pre-Closing Indebtedness and
the Pre-Closing Net Working Capital, together with reasonable supporting details, whereupon the First Tranche Consideration shall be increased by the
amount of the Pre-Closing Cash and, to the extent positive, the amount of the Pre-Closing Net Working Capital, and decreased by the amount of the
Pre-Closing Indebtedness and, to the extent negative, the amount of the absolute value of the Pre-Closing Net Working Capital, in each case, as
calculated by the Seller in good faith.
(c) Post-Closing Adjustments.
(i) Except as may be mutually agreed in writing between the Buyer and the Seller as to the calculation of the Closing Net
Working Capital, the Closing Cash and the Closing Indebtedness, the Buyer shall, as soon as practicable but in any event no later than thirty
(30) Business Days after the Closing Date, complete a financial audit of the Target Business and deliver to the Seller a statement (the “Preliminary
Closing Statement”), setting forth therein the Buyer’s good faith calculation of (i) the Closing Net Working Capital, (ii) the Closing Cash, and
(iii) the Closing Indebtedness.
(ii) The Seller shall have a period of fifteen (15) Business Days after the date on which the Preliminary Closing Statement is
delivered by the Buyer to deliver to the Buyer a written notice of the Seller’s disagreement with any item contained in the Preliminary Closing
Statement, which notice shall be executed by the Seller and set forth in reasonable detail the basis for such disagreement and any proposed
adjustment to such item (a “Notice of Disagreement”). During such fifteen (15) Business Day period, the Buyer shall (i) permit the Seller and its
accountants to consult with the Target Group Companies’ senior management and Buyer’s accountants, and (ii) provide to the Seller and its
accountants reasonable access during normal business hours to the books and records relevant to the Preliminary Closing Statement. If a Notice of
Disagreement is delivered by the Seller, the Buyer and the Seller shall seek in good faith to resolve in writing any differences they have with
respect to the matters specified in the Notice of Disagreement during the five (5) Business Days following the delivery of the Notice of
Disagreement.
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(iii) If the Seller and the Buyer are unable to resolve the disputed items set forth in the Notice of Disagreement within five
(5) Business Days following the Seller’s delivery of such Notice of Disagreement (or such longer period as the Seller and the Buyer may mutually
agree in writing), such dispute shall be submitted to, and all issues related to such dispute shall be resolved by, a “big four” accounting firm
selected by mutual agreement between the Seller and the Buyer (provided that if the Seller and the Buyer are unable to agree on such selection
within two (2) Business Days after the expiration of the foregoing five (5) Business Day period, the Buyer shall be entitled to propose two
big-four accounting firms to the Seller, and the Seller shall, within two (2) Business Days of such proposal, select one of the two accounting firms
so proposed or, if the Seller shall not have timely made such selection, the Buyer shall select the accounting firm) (the accounting firm selected
pursuant to the foregoing, the “Accounting Firm”). The Seller and the Buyer shall submit to the Accounting Firm, as expert and not as arbitrator,
for review and resolution all matters (but only such matters) that are set forth in the Notice of Disagreement which remain in dispute. The Seller
and the Buyer shall instruct the Accounting Firm that, in resolving items in the Notice of Disagreement that are still in dispute and in determining
the Closing Net Working Capital, Closing Cash and Closing Indebtedness, the Accounting Firm shall (i) not assign to any item in dispute a value
that is (A) greater than the greatest value for such item assigned by the Buyer, on the one hand, or the Seller, on the other hand, or (B) less than the
smallest value for such item assigned by the Buyer, on the one hand, or the Seller, on the other hand, (ii) make its determination in accordance
with the guidelines and procedures set forth in this Agreement and consistent with the US GAAP, (iii) render a final resolution in writing to the
Buyer and the Seller (which final resolution shall be requested by the Buyer and the Seller to be delivered not more than ten (10) Business Days
following submission of such disputed matters to the Accounting Firm), which, absent manifest error, shall be final, conclusive and binding on the
Parties with respect to the Closing Net Working Capital, Closing Cash and Closing Indebtedness, and (iv) provide a written report to the Buyer
and the Seller, if requested by either of them, which sets forth in reasonable detail the basis for the Accounting Firm’s final determination. The
Seller shall bear the fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm.
(iv) The Preliminary Closing Statement (as adjusted by the agreement of the Parties or at the direction of the Accounting Firm,
as applicable) shall be deemed final (the “Final Closing Statement”) for the purposes of this Section 2.6 and binding upon the Parties upon the
earliest of the (i) failure of the Seller to notify the Buyer of a dispute within twenty (20) Business Days after delivery of the Preliminary Closing
Statement, (ii) resolution of all disputes, pursuant to Section 2.6(c)(ii), by the Buyer and the Seller, and (iii) resolution of all disputes, pursuant to
Section 2.6(c)(iii), by the Accounting Firm, whereupon the First Tranche Consideration shall be recalculated as: US$2,000,000,000, plus the
amount of the Closing Cash and, to the extent positive, the amount of the Closing Net Working Capital, and decreased by the amount of the
Closing Indebtedness and, to the extent negative, the amount of the absolute value of the Closing Net Working Capital.
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(v) If the First Tranche Consideration as recalculated pursuant to Section 2.6(c)(iv) exceeds the First Tranche Consideration as
of immediately after the adjustments pursuant to Section 2.6(b), the Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid the Seller, by wire transfer of immediately
available funds in U.S. Dollars to the Seller Bank Account, an amount equal to such excess. If the First Tranche Consideration as recalculated
pursuant to Section 2.6(c)(iv) is less than the First Tranche Consideration as of immediately after the adjustments pursuant to Section 2.6(b), the
Seller shall pay or cause to be paid to the Buyer, by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. Dollars to a bank account designated by
the Buyer, an amount equal to such shortfall. The foregoing payments shall be made no later than five (5) Business Days following the finalization
of the Final Closing Statement in accordance with Section 2.6(c)(iv), provided that if as of such time the Second Tranche Consideration or the
Third Tranche Consideration has not yet been paid, the foregoing payments shall be made concurrently with the payment of the Second Tranche
Consideration or, if the Second Tranche Consideration has already been paid, at the time of payment of the Third Tranche Consideration, by way
of a corresponding increase or decrease, as applicable, of the amount otherwise required to be paid or cause to be paid by the HK Buyer to the
Seller for the Second Tranche Consideration or the Third Tranche Consideration, as applicable, pursuant to Section 2.7.
treated as an adjustment to the Consideration for all Tax purposes unless otherwise required by any applicable Law.
(d) Tax Treatment of Adjustments. Any adjustment to the First Tranche Consideration made pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall be
Section 2.7 Second Tranche Payment; Third Tranche Payment; Fourth Tranche Payment.
(a) As soon as practicable after the Closing but in no event later than the later of (x) April 30, 2021 and (y) the Closing Date, the HK
Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid to the Seller a cash amount equal to the Second Tranche Consideration, by wire transfer of immediately available
funds in U.S. Dollars to the Seller Bank Account, whereupon (i) the Seller and the Buyer shall (or shall procure their respective applicable Affiliate to)
deliver a joint instruction to the RMB Escrow Agent to release from the RMB Escrow Account an amount equal to the Second Tranche Consideration
Deposit Amount by wire transfer to a domestic RMB bank account designated in writing by the HK Buyer in accordance with the RMB Escrow
Agreement, and (ii) in the event that the Transition Services Agreement has not been agreed, executed and delivered as of the Closing Date and the
Second Tranche Consideration paid to the Seller Bank Account has been reduced pursuant to Section 6.7, the Seller and the Buyer shall (or shall procure
their respective applicable Affiliate to) deliver a joint instruction to the TSA Escrow Agent to release from the TSA Escrow Account an amount equal to
the TSA Escrow Amount by wire transfer to a domestic RMB bank account designated in writing by the Seller in accordance with the TSA Escrow
Agreement.
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(b) As soon as practicable after the Closing but in no event later than the later of (x) June 30, 2021 and (y) the Closing Date, the
Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid to the Seller a cash amount equal to the Third Tranche Consideration, by wire transfer of immediately available
funds in U.S. Dollars to the Seller Bank Account, whereupon the Seller and the Buyer shall (or shall procure their respective applicable Affiliate to)
deliver a joint instruction to the RMB Escrow Agent to release from the RMB Escrow Account (i) an amount equal to the Third Tranche Consideration
Deposit Amount by wire transfer to a domestic RMB bank account designated in writing by the Buyer, and (ii) an amount equal to all the interests
accrued on the Second Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount and on the Third Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount for the period from (and
including) the Closing Date through the release of such amount by wire transfer to a domestic RMB bank account designated by the Seller, in each case,
in accordance with the RMB Escrow Agreement. It is understood that the Buyer intends to obtain all ODI Approvals before the date on which the Third
Tranche Consideration is due and payable hereunder; provided that the Buyer Parties’ obligations under this Section 2.7(b) is not conditioned on the
receipt of any ODI Approval.
(c) Promptly (and in any event no later than five (5) Business Days) after the OP 2021 Deviation having become final and binding
upon the Parties in accordance with Section 6.12(c), the Seller and the Buyer shall (or shall procure their respective applicable Affiliate to) deliver a
joint instruction to the RMB Escrow Agent to release from the RMB Escrow Account an amount (the “OP 2021 Released Amount”) equal to the lower
of (x) the OP 2021 Deviation, together with all interests that may have accrued on an amount in the RMB Escrow Account equal to the OP 2021
Deviation, and (y) the Fourth Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount, together with all interests that may have accrued thereon, by wire transfer to a
domestic RMB bank account designated in writing by the Buyer.
(d) Promptly (and in any event no later than five (5) Business Days) after the OP 2022 Deviation having become final and binding
upon the Parties in accordance with Section 6.12(c), the Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid to the Seller a cash amount equal to the Post 2022
Adjustment Fourth Tranche Consideration, by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. Dollars to the Seller Bank Account, whereupon the
Seller and the Buyer shall (or shall procure their respective applicable Affiliate to) deliver a joint instruction to the RMB Escrow Agent to release from
the RMB Escrow Account (A) by wire transfer to a domestic RMB bank account designated by the Seller, all interests that may have accrued on an
amount equal to the Unadjusted Portion of the Fourth Tranche Consideration Deposit Amount, and (B) by wire transfer to a domestic RMB bank
account designated in writing by the Buyer, all of the then remaining balance of the RMB Escrow Account (other than the amount released to the Seller
pursuant to item (A) above), provided that (x) if the HK Buyer or the Buyer is, as of such time, in breach of its U.S. Dollars payment obligations set
forth in this Section 2.7, the Seller shall not be obligated to deliver the joint instruction with respect to the wire transfer contemplated by item (B) above
unless such breach has been remedied, and (y) if any Seller Party is, as of such time, in breach of any of its obligations set forth in this Section 2.7, the
Buyer shall not be obligated to deliver the joint instruction with respect to the wire transfer contemplated by item (A) above unless such breach has been
remedied.
ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
Section 3.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations. The obligation of each Party to effect the Closing is subject to the satisfaction, on or
prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions, any of which may be waived jointly by the Buyer and the Seller to the extent permitted by
applicable Law:
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(a) Laws and Orders. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law (whether
temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins, prevents, prohibits or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of the
Contemplated Transactions. All Authorizations of the PRC Governmental Authorities, if any, that are required to be obtained by any Party prior to the
Closing pursuant to applicable Laws (not including, for the avoidance of doubt, the ODI Approvals) shall have been duly obtained.
(b) Actions. No Action shall have been instituted or threatened in writing by any Governmental Authority that seeks to restrain,
enjoin, prevent, prohibit or otherwise make illegal the consummation of the Contemplated Transactions, provided that the provisions of this shall not
apply with respect to the Buyer Parties or the Seller Parties if any Buyer Party or any Seller Party, as applicable, has directly or indirectly solicited any
such Action.
Section 3.2 Conditions to the Buyer Parties’ Obligations. The obligation of each Buyer Party to effect the Closing is subject to the
satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions, any of which may be waived by the Buyer in its sole discretion:
(a) Representations and Warranties. (i) The Company Fundamental Representations shall have been true and accurate in all respects
(except for de minimis inaccuracies with respect to Section 4.1(g)(i)), (ii) the other representations and warranties contained in Section 4.1 shall have
been true and accurate in all respects (in the case of any such representation or warranty containing any materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifier)
or in all material respects (in the case of any such representation or warranty without any materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifier), and (iii) the
representations and warranties contained in Section 4.3 shall have been true and accurate in all respects, in the case of each of above clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii), on and as of the Closing Date as if made on and as of the Closing Date (except for representations and warranties that by their terms speak as of a
specific date, in which case only on and as of that date);
agreements or obligations required to be performed or complied with by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing.
(b) Performance of Obligations. Each of the Seller Parties shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all
(c) No Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of this Agreement, no Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred that is continuing.
by any specific date on or prior to the Closing Date shall have been completed in accordance with the Restructuring Plan.
(d) Restructuring. All the steps and actions of the Restructuring that are expressly required in the Restructuring Plan to be completed
(e) Specified Restructuring Steps. Unless the Seller Parties, in accordance with Section 2.3(b), have no further obligation to
complete the Specified Restructuring Steps, the Seller Parties shall have caused the Specified Restructuring Steps to be completed in accordance with
Section 2.3(a).
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executed by each of the parties thereto other than the Buyer Parties, effective subject to and upon the Closing.
(f) Non-Compete Undertaking. The Seller Parent shall have delivered to the Buyer a copy of the Non-Compete Undertaking, duly
(g) AVSP License. If the Closing occurs after January 28, 2021, the Seller Parties shall have, no later than the earlier of the
expiration date of the AVSP License and the Closing Date, caused to be duly submitted to the applicable Governmental Authorities an application to
renew the AVSP License for three (3) years and provided the Buyer Parties a written confirmation that such application has been submitted.
Parties in a form attached hereto as Exhibit G.
(h) Legal Opinion. The PRC legal counsel to the Seller shall have, no later than the Closing Date, issued a legal opinion to the Buyer
(i) Closing Certificate. The Seller shall have delivered to the Buyer Parties a certificate, dated the Closing Date, duly executed by
each Seller Party, certifying that the conditions set forth in Section 3.2(a), Section 3.2(b), Section 3.2(c), Section 3.2(d) and Section 3.2(e) have been
satisfied as of the Closing Date.
Section 3.3 Conditions to the Seller Parties’ Obligations. The obligation of each Seller Party to effect the Closing is subject to the
satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions, any of which may be waived by the Seller in its sole discretion:
(a) Representations and Warranties. (i) The Buyer Fundamental Representations shall have been true and accurate in all respects
(except for de minimis inaccuracies) and (ii) the other representations and warranties contained in Section 4.2 shall have been true and accurate in all
respects (in the case of any such representation or warranty containing any materiality qualifier) or in all material respects (in the case of any such
representation or warranty without any materiality qualifier), in the case of each of above clauses (i) and (ii), on and as of the Closing Date as if made on
and as of the Closing Date (except for representations and warranties that by their terms speak as of a specific date, in which case only on and as of that
date).
agreements or obligations required to be performed or complied with by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing.
(b) Performance of Obligations. Each of the Buyer Parties shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all
Buyer Party, certifying that the conditions set forth in Section 3.3(a) and Section 3.3(b) have been satisfied as of the Closing Date.
(c) Closing Certificate. The Buyer shall have delivered to the Seller a certificate, dated the Closing Date, duly executed by each
Section 3.4 No Other Conditions. Each Party hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Closing is not subject to any condition that is not
expressly set forth in this ARTICLE III.
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ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 4.1 Representations and Warranties of the Seller Parties. Each of the Seller Parties hereby, jointly and severally, represents and
warrants to each Buyer Party, except as disclosed in the Disclosure Materials, the following as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date (except for
such representations and warranties that speak as of a specified date, in which case, such representations and warranties shall be made only as of such
specified date):
(a) Authority. Each of the Seller Parties and the Target Business Entities has (or, with respect to any Target Business Entity not
already in existence, will have upon its existence) full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver each Transaction Document to which it is or
will be a party and to perform its obligations thereunder. The execution and delivery by each of the Seller Parties and the Target Business Entities of
each Transaction Document to which it is or will be a party and the performance by it of its obligations thereunder have been duly authorized by all
requisite actions on its part.
(b) Valid Agreement. Each Transaction Document to which any of the Seller Parties and the Target Business Entities is or will be a
party has been or will be duly executed and delivered by such party and constitutes, or when executed and delivered in accordance herewith will
constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, except as limited by
(i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights
generally and (ii) Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.
(c) Non-Contravention; Litigation. Neither the execution and delivery of each Transaction Document to which any of the Seller
Parties and the Target Business Entities is or will be a party nor the consummation of any of the Contemplated Transactions will (i) violate any
organizational document of such Seller Party or Target Business Entity or violate any Law or Order to which such Seller Party or Target Business Entity
is subject or (ii) except as set forth in Section 4.1(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in
the acceleration of or creation of an Encumbrance under or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify or cancel any Contract to which
such Seller Party or Target Business Entity is a party, by which such Seller Party or Target Business Entity is bound or to which any of the assets of such
Seller Party or Target Business Entity are subject, except in the case of sub-clause (ii) above, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially
and adversely affect the ability of any of the Seller Parties and Target Business Entities to consummate the Contemplated Transactions. There is no
Action pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened in writing against any Seller Party or Target Business Entity that (i) seeks to
invalidate this Agreement or the right of any Seller Party or Target Business Entity to enter into each Transaction Document to which it/he is or will be a
party or to consummate the Contemplated Transactions, or (ii) would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(d) Consents and Approvals. None of the execution and delivery of any Transaction Document to which any Seller Party or Target
Business Entity is or will be a party, the consummation of any of the Contemplated Transactions nor the performance by any Seller Party or Target
Business Entity of each Transaction Document to which such Seller Party or Target Business Entity is or will be a party in accordance with its terms
requires any consent, approval, order, license or authorization of, registration, certificate, declaration or filing with or notice to any Governmental
Authority or any other Person (each, an “Authorization”) on the part of any Seller Party or its Affiliates or the Target Business Entity, except (i) the
filings and registrations with SAMR and MOFCOM in connection with the Restructuring, the Specified Restructuring Steps and the Contemplated
Transactions, in each case as explicitly set forth in the Restructuring Plan, (ii) the Authorizations referred to in Section 3.1(a), (iii) for compliance with
the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or (iv) as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, materially and adversely affect (x) the ability of any of the Seller Parties and Target Business Entities to consummate the Contemplated
Transactions or (y) the condition, assets, liabilities, results of operations, business or prospects of the Target Business, the Contributed Assets and the
Target Group Companies, taken as a whole.
(e) Ownership of Sale Shares. The Seller will be, upon the completion of the Specified Restructuring Step described in
Section 2.3(a)(i), the record and beneficial owner of the Buyer Sale Shares, free and clear of all Encumbrances. The New WFOE Holdco will be, upon
the completion of the Specified Restructuring Step described in Section 2.3(a)(ii), the record and beneficial owner of the HK Buyer Sale Shares, free and
clear of all Encumbrances. Upon the occurrence of the Offshore Sale Toggle Event, the Seller will be the record and beneficial owner of the Buyer Sale
Shares and the HK Buyer Sale Shares, free and clear of all Encumbrances.
(f) Due Formation. Each Seller Party and Target Business Entity is (or, with respect to any Target Business Entity not already in
existence, will be upon its existence) duly formed, validly existing and in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization, and has all requisite power
and authority to carry on its business as it is currently being conducted. The Seller Parties have furnished or made available to the Buyer Parties a
complete and correct copy of the organizational documents, each as amended to date, of each Seller Party and Target Business Entity. Such
organizational documents are in full force and effect. No Seller Party or Target Business Entity is in violation of any of the provisions of its
organizational documents in connection with the Contemplated Transactions. HK Company directly owns one hundred percent (100%) of the issued and
outstanding equity interests of the WFOE as of the date hereof.
(g) Capitalization.
(i) (1) The authorized share capital of the Target Company is US$50,000 divided into a total of 50,000 Ordinary Shares, 50,000
of which are issued and outstanding and will be owned, directly or indirectly through wholly-owned subsidiaries, by the Seller; (2) all of the
outstanding Equity Securities in the Target Company are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all
Encumbrances (other than Encumbrances created hereunder); and (3) except as set forth in sub-clause (1), (A) there are no outstanding Equity
Securities in the Target Company, (B) no Equity Securities in the Target Company are subject to any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or
first offer or other rights to purchase such Equity Securities or any other rights with respect to such Equity Securities (except as provided
hereunder), (C) the Target Company is not a party or subject to any Contract that affects or relates to the voting or giving of written consents with
respect to any Equity Securities in the Target Company, (D) there are no obligations, contingent or otherwise, of the Target Company to issue,
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Equity Securities, and (E) there are no dividends that have accrued or been declared but are unpaid
by the Target Company.
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(ii) With respect to each Target Group Company other than the Target Company, subject to any changes to the capitalization of
the domestic enterprises that are made in accordance with the Restructuring Plan: (1) the Capitalization Table accurately describes the
capitalization of such Target Group Company on a fully diluted basis as of the date hereof and as of the Closing , reflecting all the currently
outstanding Equity Securities in such Target Group Company and the record and beneficial holders thereof, and the name and jurisdiction of
organization of such Target Group Company, (2) all of the outstanding Equity Securities in each Target Group Company are duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all Encumbrances, and (3) except for the outstanding Equity Securities set forth in
the Capitalization Table and except as expressly contemplated by the Restructuring Plan, (A) there are no outstanding Equity Securities in such
Target Group Company, (B) no Equity Securities in such Target Group Company are subject to any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or first
offer or other rights to purchase such Equity Securities or any other rights with respect to such Equity Securities, (C) such Target Group Company
is not a party or subject to any Contract that affects or relates to the voting or giving of written consents with respect to any Equity Securities in
such Target Group Company, (D) there are no obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Target Group Company to issue, repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any Equity Securities, and (E) there are no dividends that have accrued or been declared but are unpaid by such Target Group
Company.
(h) Due Delivery. The Sale Shares, when delivered to and paid for by the Buyer Parties pursuant to this Agreement, will be fully
paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all Encumbrances. Upon delivery and entry into the register of members of the Target Company of the Buyer
Sale Shares or the HK Buyer Sale Shares, the Buyer or the HK Buyer, as applicable, shall have good and valid title to the Buyer Sale Shares or the HK
Buyer Sale Shares, as applicable, free and clear of all Encumbrances. Upon delivery and entry into the register of members of the Target Company of the
Buyer Sale Shares, the Buyer shall have good and valid title to the Buyer Sale Shares, free and clear of all Encumbrances. In the case of Section 2.5(b)
(i), upon the effectiveness of the amendment registration and/or record filing with the SAMR to record the transfer of the HK Buyer Sale Shares to the
HK Buyer as contemplated by Section 2.5(b)(i)(2)(y), the HK Buyer shall have good and valid title to the HK Buyer Sale Shares, free and clear of all
Encumbrances. In the case of Section 2.5(b)(ii), upon delivery and entry into the register of members of the Target Company of the HK Buyer Sale
Shares, the HK Buyer shall have good and valid title to the HK Buyer Sale Shares, free and clear of all Encumbrances.
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(i) Target Business; Contributed Assets. Except as disclosed in Section 4.1(i) of the Disclosure Schedule:
no existing fact or circumstance that would have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Target Business.
(i) Ordinary Course. The Target Business is being carried on in the ordinary course of business and is a going concern. There is
(ii) Sufficiency of Assets; Contributed Assets. As of the Closing Date, the Contributed Assets, Transferred Contracts and
Transferred Employees, taken as a whole, constitute all of the assets, businesses, rights, Permits, Intellectual Property, Information Technology,
data, employees and Contracts necessary and sufficient to conduct the Target Business in the same manner as currently conducted. Each of
Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D and Appendix E of the Restructuring Plan sets forth a true and correct list of all Contributed Assets within
that asset category. Upon the completion of the Restructuring, the Target Group Companies will have good and marketable title in and to each of
the Contributed Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than Encumbrances disclosed in or contemplated by the Restructuring Plan, or
disclosed in Section 4.1(i) of the Disclosure Schedule).
(iii) Full Disclosure of Necessary Assets. The Seller Parties have, as of the date hereof, provided to the Buyer Parties a
complete list of any and all assets, businesses, rights, Permits, Intellectual Property, Information Technology, data, employees and Contracts of or
at the disposal of any Seller Party or its Affiliates or the Target Business Entity that were, as of September 30, 2020, necessary for the conduct of
the Target Business, whether or not those assets, businesses, rights, Permits, Intellectual Property, Information Technology, data, employees and
Contracts are Contributed Assets (such disclosure, the “Initial Necessary Assets Disclosure”), and none of the assets, businesses, rights, Permits,
Intellectual Property, Information Technology, data, employees and Contracts so disclosed has been disposed of or terminated by the Seller Party
or its Affiliates or the Target Business Entity as of the date hereof. No later than the tenth (10th) Business Day prior to the Closing Date, the Seller
Parties will have provided to the Buyer Parties a complete list of any and all assets, businesses, rights, Permits, Intellectual Property, Information
Technology, data, employees and Contracts of or at the disposal of any Seller Party or its Affiliates or the Target Business Entity necessary for the
conduct of the Target Business as conducted as of the date hereof, whether or not those assets, businesses, rights, Permits, Intellectual Property,
Information Technology, data, employees and Contracts are Contributed Assets, by way of making supplemental written disclosure (such
disclosure, the “Supplemental Necessary Assets Disclosure”) to the Buyer Parties.
compliance with Laws in all material respects in the preceding three (3) years.
(iv) The Contributed Assets have been maintained in accordance with prudent practice in all material respects and in
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(v) Section 4.1(i)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete list of the businesses in the YY segment of the Excluded
Business (other than any such business that is expected to generate an annual revenue of less than US$1,000,000 for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2020).
(vi) Key Hosts and Talent Agencies Contracts . Without limiting the foregoing clauses (i) to (iii) and Section 4.1(n),
Hosts Category III, Key Talent Agencies Category II and Key Talent Agencies Category III as of the date hereof;
(1) Section 4.1(i)(vi) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete list of contracts with Key Hosts Category II, Key
accordance with normal industry practice for companies engaged in businesses similar to that of the Target Business;
(2) all Key Hosts and Talent Agencies Contracts are being carried on in the ordinary course of business and in
(3) except as disclosed in Section 4.1(i)(vi) of the Disclosure Schedule, each Key Hosts and Talent Agencies Contract is
a valid and binding agreement and is in full force and effect, and none of the Target Business Entities, Key Hosts Category II, Key Hosts Category
III, Key Talent Agencies Category II and Key Talent Agencies Category III is, in default or breach of any Key Hosts and Talent Agencies Contract
in any material respect and no event or circumstance has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or breach
by the Target Business Entities in any material respect thereunder; and
(4) except as disclosed in Section 4.1(i)(vi) of the Disclosure Schedule, none of the Seller Parties and their Affiliates has
any reason to believe it would terminate the contracts with any of the Key Hosts Category I, Key Hosts Category II, Key Talent Agencies
Category I and Key Talent Agencies Category II prior to the expiration date indicated in the respective contract and none of the Key Hosts
Category I, Key Hosts Category II, Key Talent Agencies Category I and Key Talent Agencies Category II has indicated in writing or given written
notice to the Seller Parties or their Affiliates to terminate any Key Hosts and Talent Agencies Contracts prior to the expiration date indicated in the
respective contract.
(j) Permits. Except as disclosed in Section 4.1(j) of the Disclosure Schedule, (i) at the Closing, each of the Target Group Companies
will be in possession of all material licenses, franchises, permits, certificates, approvals or other similar authorizations of any Governmental Authority
necessary to own, lease, operate and use its properties and assets or to carry on the Target Business (the “Permits”) and such Permits are valid and in full
force and effect; (ii) each of the Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation
to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) are in possession of all Permits and such Permits are valid and in
full force and effect; (iii) no Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to
their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) is in default under, and no condition exists that with notice or lapse of
time or both would constitute a default under, the Permits; and (iv) none of the Permits will be terminated or impaired or become terminable, in whole or
in part, as a result of the Contemplated Transactions. None of the Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target
Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) is a party to any Action seeking
the revocation, suspension, termination, modification or impairment of any Permit.
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(k) Financial Statements; No Undisclosed Liabilities.
(i) The Seller Parties have made available to the Buyer the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Target Business as of
December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020 and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019 and for the six (6) months ended June 30, 2020 (the “Balance Sheet Date”) (collectively,
the “Financial Statements”). The Financial Statements fairly present, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Target
Business as of the dates thereof and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended, in conformity with the
US GAAP applied on a consistent basis. The Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group
Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) have prepared and maintained
their financial accounts, based on which the Financial Statements have been prepared, on a consistent basis in accordance with applicable Laws
and US GAAP in all material respects. The accounting records of the Target Business are in the Target Business Entities’ possession or under their
control and have been maintained in accordance with applicable Laws and US GAAP in all material respects.
(ii) There are no liabilities or obligations of the Target Business that would be required to be disclosed on a consolidated
balance sheet of the Target Business in accordance with the US GAAP, other than (1) liabilities or obligations reflected on, reserved against, or
disclosed in the Financial Statements, and (2) liabilities incurred after the Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practices and any liabilities incurred pursuant to this Agreement.
(iii) Section 4.1(k)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule contains a complete list of each intercompany balance in excess of
US$100,000 as of the Balance Sheet Date between the Seller Parties or any of their Affiliates (other than the Target Group Companies), on the one
hand, and the Target Group Companies, on the other hand. Since the Balance Sheet Date, there has not been any accrual of Liabilities that are,
individually or in the aggregate, in excess of US$100,000 by any Target Group Company to the Seller Parties or any of their Affiliates (other than
the Target Group Companies) or any other transactions that are, individually or in the aggregate, in excess of US$100,000 between any Target
Group Company and the Seller Parties or any of their Affiliates (other than the Target Group Companies).
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(l) Absence of Certain Changes.
(i) Since the Balance Sheet Date, the business of the Target Group Companies and the Target Business have been conducted in
the ordinary course consistent with past practices and there has not been any event, development or circumstances that would have, individually or
in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
(ii) From the Balance Sheet Date until the date hereof, there has not been any action taken by any Target Business Entity (other
than any action explicitly set forth in the Restructuring Plan) that, if taken during the period from the date of this Agreement through the Closing
Date without the Buyer’s express consent, would constitute a breach of Section 5.2.
(m) Restructuring Plan; Restructuring Documents. Each Restructuring Document to which any Target Business Entity is or will be a
party will, upon execution, constitute legal, valid and binding obligation of each party thereto, enforceable against such party in accordance with its
terms, except as limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws of general application affecting
enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.
The execution, delivery and performance of, and compliance with, the Restructuring Plan and the Restructuring Documents by the parties thereto will
not result in any violation, breach or default, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, of any organizational document of any
Target Business Entity, and except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect the ability of any Target Business
Entities to consummate the Contemplated Transactions, any Contract to which any Target Business Entity is a party or by which any Target Business
Entity or Contributed Assets is bound, or any Law or Order to which any Target Business Entity is subject to.
(n) Material Contracts.
(i) Each Contract described in Section 4.1(n)(ii)(1) through Section 4.1(n)(ii)(18), whether or not disclosed in the Disclosure
Schedule, to which any of the Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in
relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) or by which any of the Contributed Assets is bound
(other than Contracts under which all rights, obligations and liabilities have been terminated, or Contracts that are expired, fully performed or are
expressed to be not legally binding), is referred to herein as a “Material Contract.” Except as disclosed in Section 4.1(n)(i) of the Disclosure
Schedule, each Material Contract is a valid and binding agreement and is in full force and effect, and none of the Target Business Entities, and to
the knowledge of the Seller Parties, none of the other parties thereto is, in default or breach of any such Material Contract in any material respect,
and no event or circumstance has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or breach by the Target Business
Entities in any material respect thereunder. Except as disclosed in Section 4.1(n)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule, true and complete copies of each
such Material Contract as of the date hereof have been delivered or made available to the Buyer or its representatives.
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(ii) Except as disclosed in Section 4.1(n)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule, none of the Target Business Entities (with respect to
Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and
the Target Business) or the Contributed Assets is a party to or bound by any of the following (other than Contracts under which all rights,
obligations and liabilities have been terminated, or Contracts that are expired, fully performed or are expressed to be not legally binding):
(1) any Contract relating to the issuance of any Equity Securities of any Target Business Entity;
(2) any Contract (other than Contracts with Hosts and Talent Agencies) that involves payments (or a series of payments)
to or from any Person, contingent or otherwise, of RMB1,000,000 or more individually, or RMB10,000,000 or more in the aggregate with respect
to a series of related agreements, in cash, property or services;
(3) any partnership, joint venture strategic alliance, strategic cooperation, joint operation, third partner operation or
other similar Contract or arrangement;
(4) any Contract relating to the acquisition or disposition of any business (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of
assets or otherwise);
assumed, guaranteed or secured by any asset);
(5) any Contract relating to Indebtedness or any guarantee of such Indebtedness (in either case, whether incurred,
(6) any Contract involving the waiver, compromise, or settlement of any material Action involving a claim in excess of
RMB1,000,000;
RMB1,000,000;
(7) any agency, dealer, sales representative, marketing or other similar Contract with payment obligation in excess of
Person or in any area or which would so limit the freedom of any Target Group Company after the Closing Date;
(8) any Contract that limits the freedom of any Target Business Entity to compete in any line of business or with any
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(9) any Contract with an amount in excess of RMB1,000,000 between any Target Business Entity on the one hand and
(A) the Seller Parties or any of their Affiliates (other than the Target Business Entities), (B) any director or officer of any Target Business Entity or
of any Person described in clause (A), or (C) any Affiliate of any natural person described in clause (A) or (B), on the other hand, except for the
employment agreements relating to services as employees, officers or directors of any Target Business Entity and the Transaction Documents;
(10) any Contract with Governmental Authorities;
(11) any Contract that involves prohibition of payment of dividends or distributions in respect of the Equity Securities
of any Target Business Entity;
(12) any Contract that will be terminated or varied upon a change of control involving any Target Business Entity or the
consummation of the Contemplated Transactions, will subject such change of control or the Contemplated Transactions to the consent of any
Person or will trigger any payment by any Target Business Entity and their Affiliates to any Person as a result of such change of control or the
consummation of the Contemplated Transactions;
(13) any Contract (including license agreements, research agreements, development agreements, distribution
agreements, settlement agreements, consent to use agreements and covenant not to sue) with an amount in excess of RMB1,000,000 pursuant to
which any Target Business Entity obtains the right to use or a covenant not to be sued under, any Intellectual Property or grants the right to use, or
a covenant not to be sued under, any Intellectual Property;
(14) any Contract that involves any provision relating to “exclusivity”, “most favored nation” status, right of first
refusal or first negotiation or similar rights, or that grants a power of attorney, agency or similar authority (other than instruments granting power
of attorney or agency to corporate service providers);
(15) any Contract with any third party who, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, is engaging in the business directly
or indirectly competing with the Target Business;
(16) any Contract with Key Hosts Category I or Key Talent Agencies Category I;
(17) any cooperative agreement in relation to the Target Business, including without limitation “(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)”; or
(18) any other Contract not made in the ordinary course of business and material to the Target Business.
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(o) Compliance with Laws. During the preceding three (3) years, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
material adverse effect on the condition, assets, liabilities, results of operations, business or prospects of the Target Business, the Contributed Assets and
the Target Group Companies, taken as a whole, (i) none of the Target Group Companies has been in violation of any applicable Law or Order, and
(ii) none of the Seller Parties or their respective Affiliates has been in violation of any applicable Law or Order with respect to the operation of the
Target Business or the Contributed Assets.
(p) Anti-bribery, Anti-corruption, Anti-money Laundering and Sanctions.
(i) Anti-bribery and Anti-corruption. Each of the Seller Parties and Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business
Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target
Business), including their respective directors, officers and employees, and to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, their respective Affiliates,
including the Affiliates’ respective directors, officers and employees, independent contractors, representatives, agents and other Persons acting on
their behalf (collectively, the “Representatives”), in connection with the operation or dealings of any Target Business Entity (with respect to Target
Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the
Target Business), is and has been in compliance with all applicable Laws relating to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-corruption-related record
keeping and internal control Laws (collectively, the “ABAC Laws”). Without limiting the foregoing, neither any Seller Party or Target Business
Entity nor to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, any of its Representatives has, in connection with the operation or dealings of any Target
Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation
of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business): directly or indirectly, offered, authorized, promised, condoned, participated in, consummated,
or received notice of any allegation or request for information of, or has information that indicates a likelihood of (1) the making of any gift or
payment of anything of value to any public official by any Person to obtain any improper advantage, affect or influence any act or decision of any
such public official, or assist any Seller Party or Target Business Entity in obtaining or retaining business for, or with, or directing business to, any
Person; (2) the taking of any action by any Person which (A) would violate the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended
(“FCPA”), if taken by an entity subject to the FCPA, (B) would violate the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, if taken by an entity subject to the U.K. Bribery
Act 2010, or (C) could constitute a violation of any applicable ABAC Law; (3) the making of any false or fictitious entries in the books or records
of any Seller Party or Target Business Entity by any Person; or (4) the using of any assets of any Seller Party or Target Business Entity for the
establishment of any unlawful or unrecorded fund of monies or other assets, or the making of any unlawful or undisclosed payment. Each of the
Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and
operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) has established or is subject to adequate internal controls and procedures intended to
ensure compliance with the ABAC Laws.
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(ii) Sanctions. None of the Seller Parties and Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not
Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business), or to the
knowledge of the Seller Parties, any of their respective Representatives, is owned or Controlled by a Person that is targeted by or the subject of
any sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, or by the U.S. Department of State, or
any sanctions imposed by the European Union (including under Council Regulation (EC) No. 194/2008), the United Nations Security Council,
Her Majesty’s Treasury or any other relevant Governmental Authority or has engaged in any activities that would be in violation of the
Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, as amended or the Iran Sanctions Act, as amended, or sanctions and
measures imposed by the United Nations or any other relevant Governmental Authority (collectively, the “Sanctions Laws”). None of the Seller
Parties and Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their
ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business), including their respective directors, officers or employees, or to the
knowledge of the Seller Parties, any of their respective Representatives, has been investigated or is being investigated or is subject to a pending or,
to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened investigation in relation to any Sanctions Laws by any law enforcement, regulatory or other
Governmental Authority or any customer or supplier, or has admitted to, or been found by a court in any jurisdiction to have engaged in any
violation of any applicable Sanctions Laws or been debarred from bidding for any contract or business relating to Sanctions Laws, and, to the
knowledge of the Seller Parties, there are no circumstances which are likely to give rise to any such investigation, admission, finding or
disbarment.
(iii) Anti-Money Laundering. The operations of the Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are
not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) are and have
been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the applicable
anti-money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions where the Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target
Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) conduct business, the
rule and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by the relevant
Governmental Authorities (including, to the extent applicable, the United State Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970)
(collectively, the “Anti-Money Laundering Laws”). The Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target
Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the
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Target Business) have instituted, maintained and enforced adequate policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Anti-Money Laundering
Laws to the extent required by applicable Law. None of the Seller Parties and Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities
that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) have
been penalized for or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened to be charged with, or given notice of any violation of, or under
investigation with respect to, any Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and no Action by or before any court, Governmental Authority or any arbitrator
involving any alleged violation of applicable Anti-Money Laundering Laws by any of the Seller Parties or Target Business Entities (with respect
to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and
the Target Business) is pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened.
(q) Properties.
(i) None of the Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely
in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) owns any real property. Section 4.1(q)(i) of the
Disclosure Schedule sets forth the address of the location of each leasehold or sub-leasehold estates and other rights to use or occupy any land,
buildings, structures, improvements, fixtures or other interest in real property held by any Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business
Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target
Business) as of the date hereof (collectively, the “Leased Real Property”), and a true and complete list of all Leases (including all amendments,
extensions, renewals, guaranties and other agreements with respect thereto) for each such Leased Real Property. Each Target Business Entity has a
valid leasehold interest in all of its Leased Real Property free and clear of any and all Encumbrances. With respect to each Lease, (1) such Lease is
legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect, (2) the possession and quiet enjoyment of the Leased Real Property by the applicable
Target Business Entity under such Lease has not been disturbed and there are no disputes with respect to such Lease in any material respect, and
(3) neither any Target Business Entity nor, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, any other party to the Lease is in breach or default under such
Lease in any material respect, and no event has occurred or circumstance exists which, with the delivery of notice, the passage of time or both,
would constitute such a breach or default by the applicable Target Business Entity in any material respect, or permit the termination, modification
or acceleration of rent under such Lease. Each Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group
Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) has title to, or a valid leasehold
interest in, as applicable, all personal property used in its business free and clear of any and all Encumbrances, and such personal property is in
good operating condition and repair in all material respects.
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(ii) Each Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in
relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) has good and valid title to all of its respective assets
(including without limitation upon being transferred to the applicable Target Business Entity in accordance with the Restructuring Plan, all
personal properties included in the Contributed Assets), whether tangible or intangible, in each case free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than
Encumbrances disclosed in or explicitly provided in the Restructuring Plan or disclosed in Section 4.1(q)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule). Except
for leased or licensed assets, no Person other than such Target Business Entity owns any interest in any such assets. All machinery, vehicles,
equipment and other tangible personal property owned or leased by any Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are
not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) are (1) in good
condition and repair in all material respects (reasonable wear and tear excepted) and (2) not obsolete or in need in any respect of renewal or
replacement, except for renewal or replacement in the ordinary course of business. Except as disclosed in Section 4.1(q) of the Disclosure
Schedule or otherwise expressly contemplated by the Restructuring Plan, there are no material facilities, services, assets or properties used by any
Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and
operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) which are shared with any other Person that is not a Target Business Entity.
(r) Tax Matters.
(i) Filing and Payment. (1) All Tax Returns have been filed when due in accordance with all applicable Laws in all material
respects; (2) all Tax Returns that have been filed were true and complete in all material respects; and (3) all Taxes shown as due and payable on
any Tax Return have been timely paid, or withheld and remitted, to the appropriate Governmental Authority in all material respects. Without
limiting the foregoing, each Target Business Entity has timely paid (or has caused to be paid), or has withheld and remitted (or caused to be
withheld and remitted) to the appropriate Governmental Authority for Taxes related to the Contributed Assets in all material respects.
(ii) Retention of Tax Information. The Target Business Entities have maintained proper, accurate and adequate records to
enable each of them to comply in all material respects with its obligations to (1) prepare any accounts necessary to comply with the Tax Law; and
(2) retain necessary records as to comply with the Tax Law. The records referred to in tax warranty have been retained for the period required by
applicable Law and will be available to the Buyer Parties upon request.
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(iii) Financial Records. The charges, accruals and reserves for Taxes with respect to the Target Business Entities reflected on
the books of the Target Business Entities are adequate to cover Tax liabilities accruing through the end of the last period for which the Target
Business Entities ordinarily record items on their respective books. Since the end of the last period for which the Target Business Entities
ordinarily record items on their respective books, no Target Business Entity has engaged in any transaction, or taken any other action, other than in
the ordinary course of business, that would impact any Tax asset or Tax liability of any Target Business Entity in any material respect.
(iv) Procedure and Compliance. Except as disclosed in Section 4.1(r)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule, there is no claim, audit,
action, suit, proceeding or investigation now pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened in writing against or with respect to any
Target Business Entity relating to Taxes. There are no facts or circumstances that would give rise to such claim, audit, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation that would have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
(v) Taxing Jurisdictions. No claim has been made by any Governmental Authority in any jurisdiction against any Target
Business Entity where any Target Business Entity does not file Tax Returns that the Target Business Entity is or may be required to file any Tax
Return, or pay Tax, in such jurisdiction.
(vi) Tax Exemptions. The Target Business Entities have complied in all material respects with the conditions stipulated in each
Tax Grant and the Contemplated Transactions will not adversely affect the eligibility of any Target Business Entity for any Tax Grant in any
material respect.
(vii) Tax Rulings. All material Tax rulings, advice, consents and clearances from any Governmental Authority (the “Rulings”)
affecting any Target Business Entity have been accurately and fully disclosed to the Buyer. All particulars given to any Governmental Authority in
connection with any Ruling fully and accurately disclose, in all material respects, all facts and circumstances relevant for such Governmental
Authority’s decision. Each Ruling is valid and effective and has been complied with in all material respects, and no action has been taken to
prejudice the application of any Ruling in any material respect.
(viii) Anti-avoidance. No Target Business Entity has entered into or been party to any Tax shelter or similar transaction which
is considered abusive of any applicable Tax Law.
Liability, nor materially and adversely impact the Tax attributes of, any Target Business Entity.
(ix) Restructuring. Except as explicitly provided in the Restructuring Plan, the Restructuring will not give rise to a material Tax
(x) No U.S. Tax Elections. No Target Business Entity has ever filed any election for U.S. Tax purposes (including any entity
classification election).
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Tax Sharing Agreement or similar agreement or under any Laws applicable to consolidated or affiliated Tax groups.
(xi) Tax Sharing Agreements. None of the Target Business Entities are required to pay the Tax of any other Person under any
investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
(xii) Passive Foreign Investment Company. None of the Target Business Entities is or is expect to be a passive foreign
(s) Intellectual Property. Except as disclosed in Section 4.1(s) of the Disclosure Schedule:
registrations included in the Owned Intellectual Property and all other Owned Intellectual Property.
(i) Section 4.1(s)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule contains a true and complete list of all registrations or applications for
(ii) The Licensed Intellectual Property and the Owned Intellectual Property together constitute all the Intellectual Property
reasonably necessary to, or used or held for use in the Target Business without interruption. Except as disclosed in Section 4.1(s)(ii) of the
Disclosure Schedule, there exist no material restrictions on the disclosure, use, license or transfer of the Owned Intellectual Property, and the
consummation of the Contemplated Transactions will not alter, impair, extinguish or incur any Encumbrance on any Owned Intellectual Property
or Licensed Intellectual Property.
(iii) Except as disclosed in Section 4.1(s)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule, none of the Target Business Entities (with respect to
Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and
the Target Business) has infringed upon, misappropriated or otherwise violated any Intellectual Property of any third party. Except as disclosed in
Section 4.1(s)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule, there is no Action pending against or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened against or
affecting, any of the Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to
their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) or any present or former officer, director or employee of any
Target Business Entity (1) based upon, or challenging or seeking to deny or restrict, the rights of such Target Business Entity in any of the Owned
Intellectual Property and the Licensed Intellectual Property, (2) alleging the use of the Owned Intellectual Property or the Licensed Intellectual
Property or any services provided, processes used or products manufactured, used, imported, offered for sale or sold by such Target Business
Entity do or may conflict with, misappropriate, infringe upon or otherwise violate any Intellectual Property of any third party or (3) alleging that
any of such Target Business Entity have infringed upon, misappropriated or otherwise violated any Intellectual Property of any third party.
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(iv) The Target Business Entities are the sole owners of all Owned Intellectual Property and hold all right, title and interest in
and to all Owned Intellectual Property (including without limitation upon being transferred to the applicable Target Group Company in accordance
with the Restructuring Plan, all Intellectual Property included in the Contributed Assets) free and clear of any Encumbrances (other than
Encumbrances created by Law or explicitly provided in the Restructuring Plan), and as of the Closing Date, will be the licensees of, and have
valid rights to use the Licensed Intellectual Property. None of the Owned Intellectual Property or Licensed Intellectual Property has been adjudged
invalid or unenforceable in whole or part, and all such Owned Intellectual Property and Licensed Intellectual Property are valid and enforceable.
(v) The Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in
relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) and the Seller Parties have taken all actions
reasonably necessary to maintain and protect the Owned Intellectual Property and their rights in Licensed Intellectual Property, including payment
of applicable maintenance fees and filing of applicable statement of use.
(vi) Except as disclosed in Section 4.1(s)(vi) of the Disclosure Schedule, to the Seller Parties’ knowledge, no Person has
infringed upon, misappropriated or otherwise violated any Owned Intellectual Property or Licensed Intellectual Property. The Target Business
Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the
Contributed Assets and the Target Business) have taken reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of all Intellectual Property of the Target
Business Entities, the value of which to any of the Target Business Entities or the Target Business is contingent upon maintaining the
confidentiality thereof. None of the Intellectual Property of the Seller Parties and Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities
that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) the
value of which to any of the Target Business Entities or the Target Business is contingent upon maintaining the confidentiality thereof has been
disclosed other than to employees, representatives and agents of the Target Business Entities and the Seller Parties to the extent necessary, all of
whom are bound by written confidentiality agreements substantially in the form previously disclosed to the Buyer.
(vii) To the extent that any Intellectual Property that is material to the Target Business has been developed or created by a third
party (including any current or former employee of any of the Target Business Entities and the Seller Parties) for the Target Business or the Target
Group Companies, the Target Business Entities have a written agreement with such third party with respect thereto, and the Target Business
Entities thereby either (1) have obtained ownership of and are the exclusive owners of, or (2) have obtained a valid and unrestricted right to
exploit, sufficient for the conduct of their business and Target Business, such Intellectual Property. Neither this Agreement nor the Contemplated
Transactions will result in any further amounts being payable to any employee, former employee or current or former contractors or consultants of
the Target Business Entities in relation to any Owned Intellectual Property.
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(viii) The Information Technology is fully functional and operates and performs in a manner that permits the Target Business
Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the
Contributed Assets and the Target Business) to conduct their respective businesses and the Target Business without interruption. The Target
Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation
of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) and the Seller Parties have taken all necessary actions to protect the confidentiality, integrity,
operation and security of the Information Technology (and all information and transactions stored or contained therein or transmitted thereby)
against any unauthorized, use, access, interruption, malfunction, modification, or corruption, including the implementation and periodic testing of
(1) data backup, (2) disaster avoidance and recovery procedures, (3) business continuity procedures, and (4) encryption and other security protocol
technology. There has been no unauthorized use, access, interruption, modification, corruption or malfunction of any Information Technology (or
any information or transactions stored or contained therein or transmitted thereby), and the Information Technology is free of all viruses, worms,
trojan horses and other malicious Software code.
(ix) (1) The Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in
relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) have at all times complied in all material respects
with all applicable Laws relating to privacy, data protection and the collection and use of personal information and user information gathered or
accessed in the course of the operation of the Target Business Entities and the Target Business, (2) the Target Business Entities (with respect to
Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and
the Target Business) and the Seller Parties have at all times complied in all material aspects with all rules, policies and procedures established by
the Target Business Entities and the Seller Parties from time to time with respect to the foregoing, and (3) no claims have been asserted or, to the
knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened against any of the Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target
Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) and no such claims are
likely to be asserted or threatened against any of the Seller Parties in connection with the Target Business and Target Business Entities by any
Person alleging a violation of such Person’s privacy, personal or confidentiality rights under any such Laws, regulations, rules, policies or
procedures. The consummation of the Contemplated Transactions will not breach or otherwise cause any violation of any such Laws, regulations,
rules, policies or procedures in any material respect. The transfer of any personal information in connection with the Contemplated Transactions
(including without limitation the transfer of personal information during Restructuring) will not violate any applicable Laws relating to privacy,
data protection and the collection and use of personal information in any material respect. The Target Business Entities (with respect to Target
Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the
Target Business) are not, and will not, subject to any contractual requirements or other legal obligations that, following the Closing, would
prohibit the Target Business Entities from receiving, using or otherwise disposing of personal information transferred during the Restructuring in
the manner in which the Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation
to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) or Seller Parties receive, use and otherwise dispose of such
personal information prior to the Closing.
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(x) Section 4.1(s)(x) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all Social Media Accounts that the
Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and
operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) use, operate or maintain, including in connection with marketing or promoting any
product or service. Section 4.1(s)(x) of the Disclosure Schedule also lists, for each such Social Media Account, any account name(s), user
name(s), nickname(s), display name(s), handle(s), and other identifiers registered or used by or for the Target Business Entities with respect to
such Social Media Account (collectively, the “Social Media Account Names”). All use of the Social Media Accounts complies with and has
complied with, in all material respects, (1) all terms and conditions, terms of use, terms of service and other Contracts applicable to such Social
Media Accounts and (2) applicable Law. Each employee and former employee, contractor and consultant of the Target Business Entities has
entered into a Contract that (1) provides that such Target Business Entity, and not such employee, contractor or consultant, owns and controls the
Social Media Accounts and Social Media Account Names (including all associated information and content and all relationships, interactions and
communications with fans, followers, visitors, commenters, users and customers) and (2) requires each such employee, contractor or consultant to
relinquish to Seller all Social Media Account Names, passwords, and other log-in information for the Social Media Accounts upon termination of
employment or engagement or at any other time upon such Target Business Entity’s request.
(t) Insurance. The Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in
relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) have maintained no insurance coverage for the Target
Business, and such lack of insurance does not have a material adverse effect on the condition, assets, liabilities, results of operations, business or
prospects of the Target Business, the Contributed Assets and the Target Group Companies, taken as a whole.
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(u) Labor and Employment Matters.
(i) During the preceding year, no Key Employee (which term shall have the meaning given to “(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)” in Appendices D-1 and
D-2 to the Restructuring Plan) has given written notice to any of the Seller Parties or Target Business Entity that he or she intends to resign or
retire at any time in the six (6)-month period following the date of such notice.
(ii) Except for employment agreements with certain Transferred Employees that will be entered into prior to the Closing in
accordance with the Restructuring Plan, each Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group
Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) has entered into employment
agreements with all of its employees (including the Transferred Employees) in compliance with applicable Laws in all material respects, and the
compensation paid by such Target Business Entity to such employees under the relevant employment agreements constitutes all the income and
benefits such employees may validly claim from such Target Business Entity, and there are no other agreements or arrangements in connection
with such employee’s compensation.
(iii) There are no material controversies pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened between any Target
Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation
of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) and its employees, contractors, subcontractors, agents or other Persons engaged by it, or
between any Seller Party and its employees, contractors, subcontractors, agents or other Persons whose services are primarily for the benefit of the
Target Business (collectively, the “Target Company Personnel”). There are no material unfair labor practice complaints pending or, to the
knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened against any Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group
Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business), or any Seller Party with respect
to Target Company Personnel before any Governmental Authority. There is no strike, slowdown, work stoppage or lockout, or similar activity or
the threat thereof, by or with respect to any Target Company Personnel nor has there been any such occurrence during the preceding three
(3) years.
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(iv) Each Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in
relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) is in compliance with all applicable Laws relating to
employment and employment practices in all material aspects, including those related to wages, work hours, shifts, overtimes, social insurance
and housing fund registrations, social security benefits, holidays and leave, collective bargaining terms and conditions of employment and the
payment and withholding of Taxes and other sums as required by the appropriate Governmental Authority and has withheld and paid in full to the
appropriate Governmental Authority, or is holding for payment not yet due to such Governmental Authority, all amounts required to be withheld
from or paid with respect to Target Company Personnel (including the withholding and payment of all individual income Taxes and contributions
to social security benefits payable), and is not liable for any arrears of wages, Taxes, penalties or other sums for failure to comply with any of the
foregoing. Each Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their
ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) has paid in full to all of its Target Company Personnel or adequately
accrued for in accordance with the US GAAP consistently applied all wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, benefits and other compensation due
to or on behalf of such Target Company Personnel, and there is no claim with respect to payment of any material amount of wages, salary,
commission or overtime pay that has been asserted or is pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened before any Governmental
Authority with respect to any Persons currently or formerly employed or engaged by any Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business
Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target
Business). There is no charge of discrimination in employment or employment practices, for any reason, including without limitation age, gender,
race, religion or other legally protected category, which has been asserted or is now pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened
before any Governmental Authority with respect to any Target Company Personnel.
(v) Each Target Company Employee Plan and each Target Company Employee Agreement is and has at all times been operated
and administered in compliance with the provisions thereof and all applicable Laws in all material aspects. Each contribution or other payment
that is required to have been accrued or made under or with respect to any Target Company Employee Plan has been duly accrued and made on a
timely basis in all material respects. There are no Actions pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened against any Target
Company Employee Plan or against the assets of any Target Company Employee Plan.
(v) Environmental Matters. The operations of the Target Business Entities (with respect to Target Business Entities that are not
Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) and the Target Business
do not involve the use, disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or the protection or restoration of the environment or human exposure to
hazardous or toxic substances in any material respect. During the preceding three (3) years, no Target Business Entity (with respect to Target Business
Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the Target Business) nor
any Seller Party has been penalized or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened to be penalized by Governmental Authorities for violation of
any applicable environmental Law or Order related thereto.
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(w) Insolvency. No bankruptcy, insolvency or judicial composition proceedings concerning the Seller Parties or the Target Business
Entities have been applied for. No circumstances exist which could require an application for any bankruptcy, insolvency or judicial composition
proceedings concerning the Seller Parties or the Target Business Entities nor do any circumstances exist according to any applicable bankruptcy or
insolvency Laws which could justify the avoidance of this Agreement. No steps have been taken or proposed in relation to the winding-up, bankruptcy,
administration, insolvency or dissolution of any Seller Party or Target Business Entity, nor has any analogous procedure or step been taken or proposed
in any jurisdiction in relation to any Seller Party or Target Business Entity. Neither any Seller Party nor any Target Business Entity is or expected to be
insolvent under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or unable to pay its debts as they fall due and neither any Seller Party nor any Target
Business Entity has stopped paying its debts or indicated an intention to do so.
(x) Seller Parent SEC Documents. Since January 1, 2019, the Seller Parent has timely filed or furnished, as applicable, all reports,
schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed or furnished by it with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange
Act. As of their respective filing or furnishing dates pursuant to the Exchange Act (and to the extent such Seller Parent SEC Documents were amended,
as of the date of filing of such amendment) and as of the date of effectiveness in the case of Seller Parent SEC Documents filed pursuant to the
Securities Act, the Seller Parent SEC Documents (i) complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act or the
Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as applicable, and (ii) did not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. As of the date hereof, there are no outstanding or unresolved comment letters
received from the SEC or its staff with respect to any Seller Parent SEC Documents. There are no internal investigations, any SEC inquiries or
investigations or other inquiries or investigations conducted by a Governmental Authority pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parent, threatened,
in each case, regarding the Seller Parent or any of its Affiliates, officers or directors.
(y) Finders’ Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary which has been retained by or is authorized to
act on behalf of any Seller Party or Target Business Entity who might be entitled to any fee or commission in connection with the Contemplated
Transactions from any Buyer Party or its Affiliates or any Target Group Company.
Section 4.2 Representations and Warranties of the Buyer Parties. Each of the Buyer Parties hereby jointly and severally represents and
warrants to each of the Seller Parties the following as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date:
(a) Authority. Each of the Buyer Parties has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver each Transaction Document
to which it is or will be a party and to perform its obligations thereunder. The execution and delivery by each of the Buyer Parties of each Transaction
Document to which it is or will be a party and the performance by it of its obligations thereunder have been duly authorized by all requisite actions on its
part.
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(b) Valid Agreement. Each Transaction Document to which any of the Buyer Parties is or will be a party has been or will be duly
executed and delivered by such party and constitutes, or when executed and delivered in accordance herewith will constitute, legal, valid and binding
obligations of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, except as limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) Laws relating to the
availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.
(c) Non-Contravention; Litigation. Neither the execution and delivery of each Transaction Document to which any of the Buyer
Parties is or will be a party nor the consummation of any of the Contemplated Transactions will (i) violate any provision of the organizational documents
of such Buyer Party or violate any Law or Order to which such Buyer Party is subject or (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default
under, result in the acceleration of or creation of an Encumbrance under or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify or cancel any
Contract to which such Buyer Party is a party, by which such Buyer Party is bound or to which any of the Buyer’s assets are subject, except, in the case
of sub-clause (ii) above, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect the ability of any of the Buyer Parties to
consummate the Contemplated Transactions. There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of the Buyer Parties, threatened against any Buyer Party
that (i) seeks to invalidate this Agreement or the right of any Buyer Party to enter into this Agreement or to consummate the Contemplated Transactions,
or (ii) would, individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect the ability of any of the Buyer Parties to consummate the Contemplated
Transactions.
(d) Consents and Approvals. None of the execution and delivery of each Transaction Document to which any Buyer Party is a party,
the consummation by any Buyer Party of any of the Contemplated Transactions nor the performance by any Buyer Party of each Transaction Document
to which such Buyer Party is a party in accordance with its terms requires any Authorization on the part of any Buyer Party or its Affiliates, except
(i) the Authorizations referred to in Section 3.1(a), (ii) for compliance with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, or (iii) as would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect the ability of any of the Seller
Parties and Target Group Companies to consummate the Contemplated Transactions.
(e) Status and Investment Intent. Each of the Buyer Parties is acquiring Sale Shares pursuant to this Agreement for its own account
for investment purposes only and not with the view nor intention to resell, distribute or otherwise dispose thereof, other than to certain of its Affiliates.
Each of the Buyer Parties does not have any direct or indirect arrangement or understanding with any other Person to distribute or Sale Shares in
violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable state securities Law. Each of the Buyer Parties acknowledges that Sale Shares are “restricted
securities” that have not been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities Law.
the payments and deposits as required hereunder and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms hereof.
(f) Sufficient Fund. The Buyer Parties will at the relevant times as required hereunder, have at its disposal sufficient funds to make
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Section 4.3 Representations and Warranties of Mr. Li. Mr. Li hereby represents and warrants to each Buyer Party the following as of the
date hereof and as of the Closing Date:
will be a party and to perform his obligations thereunder.
(a) Authority. Mr. Li has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver each Transaction Document to which he is or
(b) Valid Agreement. Each Transaction Document to which Mr. Li is or will be a party has been or will be duly executed and
delivered by such party and constitutes, or when executed and delivered in accordance herewith will constitute, his legal, valid and binding obligations,
enforceable against him in accordance with its terms, except as limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium and other Laws of general
application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or
other equitable remedies.
(c) Non-Contravention; Litigation. Neither the execution and delivery of each Transaction Document to which Mr. Li is or will be a
party nor the consummation of any of the Contemplated Transactions will conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the
acceleration of or creation of an Encumbrance under or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify or cancel any Contract to which
Mr. Li is a party, by which Mr. Li is bound or to which any of the assets of Mr. Li are subject, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
materially and adversely affect the ability of Mr. Li to perform his obligations hereunder and thereunder. There is no Action pending or, to the
knowledge of Mr. Li, threatened in writing against Mr. Li that (i) seeks to invalidate this Agreement or the right of Mr. Li to enter into each Transaction
Document to which he is or will be a party or to perform his obligations hereunder and thereunder, or (ii) would, individually or in the aggregate,
materially and adversely affect the ability of Mr. Li to perform his obligations hereunder and thereunder.
(d) Consents and Approvals. None of the execution and delivery of any Transaction Document to which Mr. Li is or will be a party,
the performance of his obligations hereunder and thereunder nor the performance by Mr. Li under each Transaction Document to which he is or will be a
party in accordance with its terms requires any Authorization on the part of Mr. Li, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially and
adversely affect the ability of Mr. Li to perform his obligations hereunder.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS WITH RESPECT TO THE PERIOD PRIOR TO CLOSING
Section 5.1 Access and Confidentiality. From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of (i) the Closing Date, and (ii) the date, if any,
on which this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 7.1:
(a) Each Seller Party shall cause all the Target Group Companies to, upon reasonable prior written notice, (i) give the Buyer Parties,
their respective officers, employees and authorized Representatives, reasonable access to each Target Group Company’s books, records, officers,
employees, agents, offices and other assets, Contracts, facilities and properties, (ii) furnish to the Buyer Parties, their counsel, financial advisors,
auditors and other authorized Representatives such financial and operating data and other information relating to the Target Group Companies, the
Target Business or the Contributed Assets as such Persons may reasonably request and (iii) instruct the employees, consultants, agents, counsel,
financial advisors, auditors and other authorized Representatives of the Target Group Companies to reasonably cooperate with Buyer Parties in their due
diligence investigation of the Target Group Companies and the Target Business, including without limitation the status of the Restructuring.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Seller Parties and the Target Group Companies shall not be required to provide access to,
or to disclose information, to the extent such access or disclosure would jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of the Seller Parties, the Target Group
Companies or their respective Subsidiaries, or contravene any applicable Law (including with respect to any competitively sensitive information, if any).
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(b) The Seller Parties shall cause the Target Group Companies to give prompt written notice to the Buyer, (i) of any notice or other
communication received by the Target Group Companies or any Seller Party from any Governmental Authority in connection with this Agreement or
the Contemplated Transactions, or from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person (or another Person) is or may be required in connection with
the Contemplated Transactions, (ii) of any Action commenced or, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened against, any Target Group Company,
any Seller Party or their respective Subsidiaries, in each case arising from or relating to the Contemplated Transactions, or (iii) upon becoming aware of
the occurrence or impending occurrence that individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) If, after the date hereof, any Party becomes aware of any facts, events or circumstances that have, individually or in the
aggregate, resulted in any condition set forth in ARTICLE III to become incapable of being satisfied prior to the Long Stop Date (after giving effect to
any applicable cure period), such Party shall promptly give the other Parties a written notice, setting forth therein (i) the relevant facts, events or
circumstances, (ii) the condition(s) which such Party believes has or have, as a result, become incapable of being satisfied prior to the Long Stop Date.
Upon such notice, the Parties shall discuss in good faith whether the relevant conditions have indeed become incapable of being satisfied prior to the
Long Stop Date and, if so, whether such condition will be waived. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 5.1(c) shall be deemed to
obligate any Party to waive any condition set forth in ARTICLE III, which waiver may be granted or withheld at the relevant Party’s sole discretion.
Section 5.2 Conduct of Target Business. During the period between the date hereof and the earlier of (i) the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1 and (ii) the Closing Date, except as expressly required or expressly permitted by this Agreement or the Restructuring Plan or
specifically requested or permitted in writing by or on behalf of the Buyer Parties, the Seller Parties shall cause the Target Business to be conducted, and
cause each Target Business Entity to conduct its business and operations with respect to the Target Business and the Contributed Assets, in the ordinary
course consistent with past practice, and (i) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the assets and properties relating to the Target Business
(including to timely renew any Permits in accordance with applicable Laws) and to preserve the current relationships with employees, customers,
suppliers, consultants, Governmental Authorities, and any other Persons having business dealings relating to the Target Business, (ii) use commercially
reasonable efforts to perform and comply with its Material Contracts and to comply with all applicable Laws then in effect (including, from and after the
date of effectiveness of applicable Laws that become effective prior to the Closing), and (iii) maintain its books and records in the usual, regular and
ordinary manner. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless expressly required by this Agreement or the Restructuring Plan or specifically
requested or permitted in writing by or on behalf of the Buyer Parties, the Seller Parties shall procure that none of the Target Business Entities (with
respect to Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets
and the Target Business) will:
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(a) amend the memorandum and articles of association or equivalent organizational documents of any Target Group Company;
(b) (A) split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any shares of capital stock of any Target Group Company, (B) declare, set aside or pay
any dividend on or make any other distributions (whether in cash, stock, property or otherwise) with respect to the Equity Securities of any Target Group
Company, or (C) make any other change to the capital structure of any Target Group Company;
(c) issue, sell, pledge, dispose, encumber, grant or incur any Encumbrance on any Target Group Company’s Equity Securities, or any
options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any Target Group Company’s Equity Securities (except for any such
transaction solely between Wholly-Owned Target Group Companies);
(d) acquire or agree to acquire (including by merger, consolidation or acquisition of stock or assets, or otherwise), directly or
indirectly, any assets, property, securities, interests or businesses at a total cost in excess of RMB1,000,000 in any single transaction or RMB5,000,000
in the aggregate;
(e) sell, pledge, lease, assign, license or otherwise transfer, dispose of or encumber or create or incur any Encumbrance on any
property or assets of any Target Business Entity, except with respect to transactions involving property or assets that are not Contributed Assets and with
a value of less than RMB1,000,000 for any single transaction or RMB5,000,000 in the aggregate, and except for any such transaction solely between
Wholly-Owned Target Group Companies;
(f) incur, create, assume, refinance or replace any Indebtedness for borrowed money or issue or amend or modify the terms of any
debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise become responsible (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) for the Indebtedness of
any other Person (other than a Wholly-Owned Target Group Companies), except for the refinancing of any existing Indebtedness of the Target Group
Companies to the extent that (x) the material terms and conditions of any newly incurred Indebtedness are reasonable market terms, and (y) the
aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness is not increased as a result of such refinancing;
(g) make any material loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person (including to any of its
officers, directors, Affiliates, agents or consultants), or enter into any “keep well” or similar agreement to maintain the financial condition of another
entity, in each case other than any such transaction solely between Wholly-Owned Target Group Companies;
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(h) enter into, renew, materially modify or amend, terminate, or waive, release, compromise or assign any rights or claims under, any
Material Contract (or any Contract that, if existing as of the date of this Agreement, would be a Material Contract), other than any termination,
amendment or renewal in accordance with the terms of any existing Material Contract that occur (i) automatically without any action by the Target
Group Companies, or (ii) at the election of a counter-party to such Material Contract entitled to terminate, amend or renew such Material Contract
without any Target Group Companies’ consent;
proceeding that is made or pending against any Target Business Entity, in each case relating to the Target Business or the Contributed Assets;
(i) (A) initiate any legal action, suit or arbitration proceeding, or (B) settle or compromise any legal action, suit or arbitration
(j) (A) establish, adopt, enter into, amend or terminate any Target Company Employee Plan, or any plan, program, policy, or
arrangement that would be a Target Company Employee Plan if in effect on the date of this Agreement, (B) materially increase the compensation,
severance or other benefits payable or to become payable to any current or former director, officer, employee or independent contractor of any Target
Group Company, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (C) pay any bonus or severance pay to any current or former
director, officer, employee or independent contractor of the Target Group Companies other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, (D) grant any stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units or equity-based compensatory awards in any
Target Group Company, (E) accelerate the payment, right to payment or vesting of any compensation or benefits, or (F) take any action to fund or in any
other way secure the payment of compensation or benefits under any Target Company Employee Plan or any plan, program, policy, practice or
arrangement that would be a Target Company Employee Plan if in effect on the date of this Agreement;
in applicable Law, or make any change in accounting policies, unless required by the US GAAP or a competent Governmental Authority;
(k) make any change to its methods of accounting, except as required by a change in the US GAAP (or any interpretation thereof) or
(l) make or change any material Tax election, amend any Tax Return (except as required by applicable Law), enter into any closing
agreement with respect to Taxes, relinquish any right to claim a Tax refund, settle or finally resolve any controversy with respect to Taxes or change any
method of Tax accounting;
dissolution, consolidation, recapitalization or bankruptcy reorganization of any Target Group Company;
(m) adopt a plan of merger, complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for or authorizing such merger, liquidation or a
ordinary course capital expenditures not to exceed RMB1,000,000 in any single transaction, or RMB5,000,000 in the aggregate;
(n) make or incur any capital expenditures (or any obligations or liabilities in respect thereof) or other investments except for
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Owned Intellectual Property, in each case not in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(o) transfer or license from any Person any rights to any Intellectual Property, or transfer or license to any Person any rights to any
(p) abandon, fail to maintain or allow to lapse, including by failure to pay the required fees in any jurisdiction, or disclaim, dedicate
to the public, sell, assign or grant any security interest in, to or under any Owned Intellectual Property or develop, create or invent any material
Intellectual Property jointly with any third party;
(q) take any action that is intended or would reasonably be expected to result in any of the conditions to the Closing set forth in
ARTICLE III not being satisfied; or
(r) agree, resolve or authorize or commit to do any of the foregoing.
Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.2, the Seller Parties hereby expressly acknowledge and agree that, if the Closing occurs
no later than February 9, 2021, except as expressly required or expressly permitted by this Agreement or the Restructuring Plan or specifically requested
or permitted in writing by or on behalf of the Buyer Parties, the Seller Parties shall (i) procure the Target Business to continue to be operated in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and each the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.2 shall remain in full force and effect and
binding on the Seller Parties during the period between the Determination Time on January 31, 2021 and the Determination Time on the Closing Date,
and (ii) during the period between the Determination Time on January 31, 2021 and the Determination Time on the Closing Date, ensure that no Target
Cash and Cash Equivalents is transferred to any Seller Party or its Affiliates (other than the Target Group Companies) and no action is taken that is
without business justification and primarily for the purpose of reducing the amount of (x) the Target Cash and Cash Equivalents, plus (y) the Target Net
Working Capital, minus (z) the Target Indebtedness, as of the Determination Time on the Closing Date as compared to such amount as of the
Determination Time on January 31, 2021.
Section 5.3 Restructuring.
(a) Prior to the Closing, Each of the Seller Parties shall and shall cause each Target Business Entity to, (i) comply in all respects with
the Restructuring Plan, (ii) duly perform all of its respective obligations under the Restructuring Plan to meet all applicable deadlines and consummate
each step of the Restructuring that is required to be completed prior to the Closing in accordance with the Restructuring Plan and applicable Laws, and
(iii) prepare, negotiate and finalize the applicable Restructuring Documents as soon as possible after the date hereof.
(b) Prior to the Closing, each of the Seller Parties shall and shall cause each Target Business Entity to, on a periodic basis (but no
less frequently than once a week), provide the Buyer Parties with (i) an update on the completion status of the Restructuring including the specific status
of any step thereto as set forth in the Restructuring Plan and background information and circumstances as the Buyer Parties may reasonably request,
and (ii) documents evidencing the completion status of the Restructuring and the steps thereof.
55
(c) After the Closing, the Seller Parties shall cause their relevant Affiliates to, and the Buyer Parties shall cause the Target Group
Companies to, (i) comply in all respects with and duly perform their respective obligations under the Restructuring Plan in accordance with the terms
thereof, and (ii) meet all applicable deadlines and timely consummate each step of the Restructuring that is required therein to be completed after the
Closing.
(d) If the Closing has not occurred as of January 28, 2021, the Seller Parties shall, as soon as practicable thereafter but in any event
prior to the expiration date of the AVSP License, cause to be duly submitted to the applicable Governmental Authorities an application to renew the
AVSP License for three (3) years and shall thereafter (and prior to the Closing Date) use reasonable efforts to seek the approval of such renewal
application, provided that if such approval has not been granted prior to the Closing Date, the Seller Parties shall, following the Closing, reasonably
cooperate with the Buyer Parties in relation to seeking such approval.
(e) The Seller Parties shall make the Supplemental Necessary Assets Disclosure to the Buyer Parties as soon as practicable after the
date of this Agreement, it being agreed that such Supplemental Necessary Assets Disclosure shall be in the form of one disclosure letter, delivered to the
Buyer Parties no later than the tenth (10th) Business Day prior to the Closing Date, setting forth any and all assets, businesses, rights, Permits,
Intellectual Property, Information Technology, data, employees and Contracts of or at the disposal of any Seller Party or its Affiliates or the Target
Business Entity necessary for the conduct of the Target Business as currently conducted to the extent such assets, businesses, rights, Permits, Intellectual
Property, Information Technology, data, employees and Contracts were not already disclosed in the Initial Necessary Assets Disclosure. Upon receiving
the Supplemental Necessary Assets Disclosure, the Buyer may, in its sole discretion, determine to have any assets, businesses, rights, Permits,
Intellectual Property, Information Technology, data or Contracts, or the employment relationship of any employees, in each case set forth in the
Supplemental Necessary Assets Disclosure, transferred to the Target Company or its designated Subsidiaries, and have such transfer reflected in the
Restructuring Plan or the Transition Services Agreement in the sole discretion of the Buyer, and in which case those assets, businesses, rights, Permits,
Intellectual Property, Information Technology, data, Contracts and employees shall be treated for all purposes as “Contributed Assets,” “Transferred
Contracts” and “Transferred Employees,” as applicable, and so transferred to the Target Company or its designated Subsidiaries, and shall be reflected in
the Restructuring Plan or the Transition Services Agreement as such in the sole discretion of the Buyer. No additional consideration shall be payable by
any Buyer Party with respect to any of the foregoing.
(f) No later than one (1) Business Day prior to the Closing Date, the Seller Parties shall provide to the Buyer Parties a complete list
of contracts with Key Hosts Category II, Key Hosts Category III, Key Talent Agencies Category II and Key Talent Agencies Category III as of the
Closing Date.
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Section 5.4 No Shop. Each of the Seller Parties and Mr. Li shall immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing discussions
with any Person other than the Buyer Parties concerning any such inquiries or proposals that constitute or could reasonably be likely to lead to an
Acquisition Proposal. Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, none of the Seller Parties shall (and shall cause their respective Affiliates, officers,
directors, managers, employees, Representatives, and other agents not to), directly or indirectly: (a) solicit, initiate or encourage, or knowingly induce or
take any other action which could reasonably be expected to lead to the making, submission or announcement of, any proposal or inquiry that
constitutes, or could reasonably be likely to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal; (b) other than informing Persons of the provisions contained in this
Section 5.4, enter into, continue or participate in any discussions or any negotiations regarding any Acquisition Proposal or otherwise take any action to
knowingly facilitate or knowingly induce any effort or attempt to make or implement an Acquisition Proposal; (c) approve, endorse, recommend or enter
into any Acquisition Proposal or any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or Contract contemplating an Acquisition Proposal or requiring any
Seller Party or the Target Company to abandon or terminate its obligations under this Agreement; or (d) agree, resolve or commit to do any of the
foregoing. The Seller Parties agree to notify the Buyer immediately if any Person makes any proposal, offer, inquiry or contact with respect to an
Acquisition Proposal and provide Buyer with the identity of such Person and a description of the material terms and conditions thereof.
Section 5.5 Further Assurances. From the date hereof until the Closing Date, the Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to
satisfy the conditions precedent to the consummation of the Contemplated Transactions. Without limiting the foregoing, prior to and at the Closing Date,
each Party shall cooperate with the other Parties to make all filings with, and to obtain all consents of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person
under any permit, license, agreement, indenture or other instrument (including any consents), and to take all such other actions as such Party may
reasonably be requested to take by the other Party from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents,
in order to give effect to the provisions of the Transaction Documents and the Contemplated Transactions.
Section 5.6 Publicity. The Buyer Parties, the Seller Parties and the Target Company shall coordinate all publicity relating to the
Contemplated Transactions. No Party shall issue any press release, publicity statement or other public notice relating to this Agreement, or the
Contemplated Transactions, without the prior consent of the other Parties; provided that to the extent that a Party is required by applicable Law or
applicable stock exchange rules to issue a press release, publicity statement or other public notice, such Party may issue such press release, publicity
statement or other public notice without the consent of the other Parties, and such Party shall be obligated only to consult with the other Parties and
consider in good faith their comments on such press release, publicity statement or other public notice prior to issuing the same.
Section 5.7 Certain Authorizations. The Parties shall use reasonable best efforts to obtain the Authorizations referred to in the second
sentence of Section 3.1(a) as soon as practicable, and shall reasonably cooperate with each other in connection therewith.
Section 5.8 Promulgation of Certain Rules. In the event that (cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(including any attachments thereto, and any
amendment thereof),(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(including any attachments thereto, and any amendment thereof), or any other Law governing the
similar subject matter as the aforementioned two Laws, is promulgated by(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)or similar Governmental Authorities and takes
effect prior to the Closing Date, the Seller Parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause each applicable Target Business Entity (with respect to
Target Business Entities that are not Target Group Companies, solely in relation to their ownership and operation of the Contributed Assets and the
Target Business) to comply with the foregoing rules to the extent consistent with the prevailing industry practice as to compliance with the foregoing
rules.
57
Section 5.9 Additional Escrow Accounts. As soon as practicable after the date hereof and in any event no later than, in the case of
Section 5.9(a) and Section 5.9(b), ten (10) Business Days prior to the Closing, or, in the case of Section 5.9(c), ten (10) Business Days after the date
hereof,
(a) the Seller shall select a reputable international banking institution reasonably acceptable to the Buyer (the “Tax Escrow Agent”),
and the Seller and the Buyer shall (or shall procure their respective applicable Affiliates to) enter into an escrow agreement on customary form with the
Tax Escrow Agent (the “Tax Escrow Agreement”) and cause a USD escrow account in the name of the Seller or its designee to be opened and operated
in accordance with the Tax Escrow Agreement (the “Tax Escrow Account”);
(b) the Seller shall select a reputable domestic banking institution reasonably acceptable to the Buyer (the “RMB Escrow Agent”),
and the Seller and the Buyer shall procure their respective applicable Affiliates to enter into an escrow agreement on customary form with the RMB
Escrow Agent (the “RMB Escrow Agreement”) and cause an RMB escrow account in the name of the Buyer or its designee to be opened and operated
in accordance with the RMB Escrow Agreement (the “RMB Escrow Account”); and
(c) the Seller shall select a reputable domestic banking institution reasonably acceptable to the Buyer (the “TSA Escrow Agent”),
and the Seller and the Buyer shall procure their respective applicable Affiliates to enter into an escrow agreement on customary form with the TSA
Escrow Agent (the “TSA Escrow Agreement”) and cause an RMB escrow account in the name of the Seller or its designee to be opened and operated in
accordance with the TSA Escrow Agreement (the “TSA Escrow Account”); no later than five (5) Business Days after the TSA Escrow Account has
been opened, the Seller shall deposit or cause to be deposited the TSA Escrow Amount into the TSA Escrow Account.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
Section 6.1 Tax Filings.
(a) The Parties hereby acknowledge, covenant and agree that (i) the Buyer Parties shall have no obligation to pay any Tax of any
nature that is required by applicable Laws to be paid by any Seller Party or any of its Affiliates or any of their respective direct and indirect partners,
members and shareholders arising out of the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares, and (ii) the Seller Parties agree to jointly and severally bear and pay
any Tax of any nature that is required by applicable Laws to be paid by any Seller Party or any of its Affiliates or any of their respective direct and
indirect partners, members and shareholders arising out of the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares.
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(b) The Seller Parties shall engage and authorize a big-four accounting firm (or another external consultant or advisor reasonably
acceptable to the Buyer) (the “Reporting Agent”) to, and shall cause the Reporting Agent to, within the legally required time limit after the Closing, duly
make with the applicable PRC Tax Authority (the “Relevant PRC Tax Authority”) the relevant Tax reporting pursuant to and in accordance with the
requirements of Circular 7 in connection with the Contemplated Transactions, and shall (i) permit the Buyer Parties to make a joint reporting with the
Seller Parties in respect of the Contemplated Transactions if the Buyer Parties so elect and shall procure that the Reporting Agent promptly shares copies
of any relevant draft reporting documents with the Buyer (or its advisor) to allow the Buyer a reasonable opportunity to comment, (ii) allow a
representative of the Buyer or its advisor to attend any meetings or discussions between any Seller Party and any of their advisors on the one hand and
any Relevant PRC Tax Authority on the other hand in relation to the Contemplated Transactions and (iii) promptly provide the Buyer with adequate
evidence that such Tax reporting has been made in accordance with applicable Laws (it being agreed that, for all purposes of this Agreement, either of
the following shall be deemed reasonable evidence: (x) an acknowledgement or receipt in respect of the reporting by or on behalf of Seller Parties issued
by the Relevant PRC Tax Authority or the original signature of an official of the Relevant PRC Tax Authority on the duplicate of the reporting
documents submitted by or on behalf of Seller Parties; or (y) an original written confirmation issued by the Reporting Agent, attaching a copy of the
reporting made and confirming the Reporting Agent has submitted the reporting on behalf of the Seller Parties with the Relevant PRC Tax Authority in
accordance with this Section 6.1(b), and confirming that the Relevant PRC Tax Authority does not issue, and has not issued, any acknowledgement or
receipt in respect of the reporting). The Seller Parties shall promptly submit, or cause the Reporting Agent to submit, all documents supplementally
requested by the Relevant PRC Tax Authority (having incorporated any reasonable comments from the Buyer) within the timeframe requested by the
Relevant PRC Tax Authority in connection with such Tax reporting with a copy delivered to the Buyer. The Seller Parties shall ensure that all
information or materials submitted to the Relevant PRC Tax Authority in connection with any Tax reporting by or on behalf of the Seller Parties are
true, accurate, complete and not misleading.
(c) The Seller Parties shall cause the Reporting Agent to follow up, on a monthly basis, with the Relevant PRC Tax Authority on the
Tax reporting of the Seller Parties and shall respond to any requests by the Relevant PRC Tax Authority for additional information or materials (having
incorporated any reasonable comments from the Buyer) and to give monthly updates to the Buyer as to any development in the assessment of any Taxes
by the Relevant PRC Tax Authority.
(d) Upon the receipt by the Buyer Parties from the Seller Parties of reasonable evidence that Tax reporting pursuant to Circular 7 in
connection with the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares has been made pursuant to Section 6.1(b), the Seller Parties and the Buyer Parties shall deliver
a joint written instruction to the Tax Escrow Agent as soon as practicable (but in any event within five (5) Business Days) to release to the Seller (or its
designee) the Tax Escrow Amount and any and all interests that may have accrued thereon in full.
copy of the Acceptable Tax Evidence, and copies of all documents submitted to and filings made with the Relevant PRC Tax Authority.
(e) Promptly after the Seller Parties obtain any Acceptable Tax Evidence, the Seller Parties shall provide the Buyer Parties with a
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Section 6.2 Certain Assets Relating to the Target Business. If at any time after the Closing Date and prior to the date that is twenty-four
(24) months after the Closing Date, any Seller Party shall determine or become aware that (i) any assets or Contracts of any of the Seller Parties or its
Affiliates that, prior to the Closing, were primarily used in or primarily related to the Target Business, have not been contributed or otherwise transferred
to the Target Company or its Subsidiaries (collectively, “In-Scope Assets”), or (ii) any employees of the Seller Parties or its Affiliates that, prior to the
Closing, were primarily engaged in the Target Business, have not had his or her employment relationship transferred to the Target Company or its
Subsidiaries (collectively, “In-Scope Employees”), then in each case the applicable Seller Parties shall promptly (and in any event within five
(5) Business Days) disclose the existence and nature of such In-Scope Assets or In-Scope Employees to the Buyer Parties, and provide all information
reasonably requested by the Buyer Parties with respect thereto. After receiving such disclosure, the Buyer may, in its sole discretion, determine to have
such In-Scope Assets or the employment relationship of such In-Scope Employees transferred to the Target Company or its designated Subsidiaries, in
which case the applicable Seller Parties shall promptly cause the transfer of such In-Scope Assets or use its reasonable efforts to cause the transfer of the
employment relationship of such In-Scope Employees, in each case to the Target Company or its designated Subsidiaries. With respect to any In-Scope
Assets incapable of being so transferred, the applicable Seller Parties or its Affiliates shall unconditionally grant the Target Company or its designated
Subsidiaries a right to use such In-Scope Assets for a period of at least five (5) years. No additional consideration shall be payable by any Buyer Party
with respect to any of the foregoing.
Section 6.3 General Release.
(a) Effective on the Closing, each of the Seller Parties and Mr. Li, on its/his own behalf and on behalf of its/his successors, assigns
and Affiliates and any other Person that may claim by, through or under such Seller Party (collectively, the “Seller Releasing Parties”), hereby
(i) irrevocably waives, releases, acquits and forever discharges each Target Group Company and each of their respective present and former officers,
directors, managers, employees and other agents or Representatives, and the Target Business and the Contributed Assets, from any and all Liabilities of
any kind or nature whatsoever since the beginning of time and (ii) agrees to procure that no Seller Releasing Party will bring or voluntarily participate in
or assist any Action that relates to any matter released pursuant to this Section 6.3(a). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Seller Releasing Parties do not
waive or release any rights based upon, arising out of or relating to rights in favor of the Seller Releasing Parties created pursuant to the terms of any
Transaction Document. The Seller Releasing Parties understand and agree that the releases provided in this Section 6.3(a) extend to all claims released
above whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected. It is the intention of the Seller Releasing Parties through this Agreement and with the
advice of counsel to fully, finally and forever settle and release the claims set forth above. In furtherance of such intention, the releases herein given
shall be and remain in effect as full and complete releases of such matters notwithstanding the discovery of any additional claims or facts relating
thereto.
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(b) Effective on the Closing, each Buyer Party, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Target Group Companies, and its and their
respective successors, assigns and Affiliates and any other Person that may claim by, through or under such Buyer Party or any Target Group Company
(collectively, the “Buyer Releasing Parties”), hereby (i) irrevocably waives, releases, acquits and forever discharges the Seller Parties and their
Affiliates, and each of their respective present and former officers, directors, managers, employees and other agents or Representatives, from any and all
Liabilities of any kind or nature whatsoever since the beginning of time to the extent such Liabilities arise out of the Target Business or the Contributed
Assets, and (ii) agrees to procure that no Buyer Releasing Party will, bring or voluntarily participate in or assist any Action that relates to any matter
released pursuant to this Section 6.3(b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Buyer Releasing Parties do not waive or release any rights based upon,
arising out of or relating to rights in favor of the Buyer Releasing Parties created pursuant to the terms of any Transaction Document. The Buyer
Releasing Parties understand and agree that the releases provided in this Section 6.3(b) extend to all claims released above whether known or unknown,
suspected or unsuspected. It is the intention of the Buyer Releasing Parties through this Agreement and with the advice of counsel to fully, finally and
forever settle and release the claims set forth above. In furtherance of such intention, the releases herein given shall be and remain in effect as full and
complete releases of such matters notwithstanding the discovery of any additional claims or facts relating thereto.
Section 6.4 Non-Disparagement. Each of the Seller Parties and Mr. Li covenants and agrees that it/he and its/his Affiliates will not directly
or indirectly make or cause to be made any public statement or other communication that is public in nature or is prone to public dissemination, written
or otherwise, that would constitute disparagement or criticism of, or that is otherwise derogatory or materially detrimental to, the Target Business or any
Target Group Company. Nothing in this Section 6.4 shall limit any Seller Party’s or its Affiliate’s ability to make factually correct statements or
communications that such Seller Party or its Affiliates reasonably believe are required to be made pursuant to applicable Law.
Section 6.5 Target Business Confidential Information. For a period of five (5) years after the Closing Date, each of the Seller Parties and
Mr. Li shall not, and shall cause its/his Affiliates not to, use or disclose or convey to any third party, any confidential information regarding the Target
Business, the Contributed Assets, the business conducted by any Target Group Company, or in relation to any Target Group Company or its respective
clients, customers, vendors, licensors, suppliers, and any other proprietary information of any Target Group Company that as of the Closing Date is not
available to the general public (collectively, “Target Business Confidential Information”); provided that any Seller Party may furnish such portion (and
only such portion) of the Target Business Confidential Information as such Seller Party reasonably determines it is legally obligated to disclose if (a) it
receives a request to disclose all or any part of the Target Business Confidential Information under the terms of a subpoena, civil investigative demand
or order issued by a Governmental Authority, (b) it notifies the Buyer of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding that request and consults
with the Buyer on the advisability of taking steps available under applicable Law to resist or narrow that request, (c) it exercises its reasonable best
efforts to obtain an Order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to the disclosed Target Business Confidential
Information, and (d) disclosure of such Target Business Confidential Information is required to prevent such Seller Party from being in violation of
applicable Law.
Section 6.6 Target Business Audit. The Buyer Parties shall be entitled to engage an accounting firm to conduct a financial audit of the
Target Business for the three (3) fiscal years prior to the Closing Date, and the Seller Parties shall provide assistance in connection therewith as may be
reasonably requested by the Buyer Parties from time to time prior to the first (1st) anniversary of the Closing.
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Section 6.7 Transition Services Agreement. The Parties shall, and shall cause their applicable Affiliates to, comply with the provisions set
forth in Part A of Exhibit F. If the Transition Services Agreement has not been executed and delivered at the Closing by the parties thereto, then, unless
the Buyer and the Seller shall agree in writing otherwise, the Second Tranche Consideration shall be reduced by an amount equal to US$30,000,000, and
such reduction shall be deemed to have taken place immediately prior to the Closing. Any adjustment to the Second Tranche Consideration made
pursuant to this Section 6.7 shall be treated as an adjustment to the Consideration for all Tax purposes unless otherwise required by any applicable Law.
Section 6.8 ODI Approval. The Seller Parties shall provide all information and materials reasonably requested by any Buyer Party with
respect to the pursuit of ODI Approvals by the Buyer Parties or their Affiliates.
Section 6.9 Incorporation of Non-Compete Undertaking by Reference. Upon the execution and delivery of the Non-Compete Undertaking
on the Closing Date, Section 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 of the Non-Compete Undertaking (together, the “Non-Compete Undertaking Provisions”) shall
automatically be incorporated by reference into this Agreement and form a part of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein.
Section 6.10 Ticker. Promptly after Mr. Li ceases to Control the Seller Parent, the Seller Parent shall change its ticker symbol to another
ticker symbol that does not include “YY”.
Section 6.11 Post-Closing Cooperation.
(a) From the Closing Date through the third (3rd) anniversary thereof, (i) the Seller Parties and the Buyer Parties shall, and shall
procure their respective Affiliates to, at their respective own expense, use reasonable best efforts to provide all assistance and cooperation as may be
reasonably requested by the Buyer Parties or the Seller Parties, as applicable, in connection with any Action by or before, or any inquiry from, any
Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction, including the SEC (but other than any such Action or inquiry initiated or solicited by or on behalf of
the requesting parties or their Affiliates), relating to the Target Business as operated on or prior to the Closing Date (such Action or inquiry, a “Relevant
Action or Inquiry”), and (ii) upon any Party becoming aware of any Relevant Action or Inquiry being commenced or threatened against such Party, such
Party shall promptly give the other Parties written notice of such Relevant Action or Inquiry.
(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 6.11(a), from and after the Closing, the Buyer Parties shall, (i) upon reasonable prior
notice, give the Seller Parties, their respective officers, employees and authorized Representatives, reasonable access to each Target Group Company’s
books and records, and (ii) furnish to the Seller Parties, their counsel, financial advisors, auditors and other authorized Representatives such financial
and operating data and other information relating to the Target Group Companies, the Target Business or the Contributed Assets (including without
limitation any data or information furnished by the Seller Parties and their Representatives to the Buyer Parties or their Representatives prior to the
Closing Date), in each case of (i) and (ii), that are in the possession of the Buyer Parties and their Affiliates and relating to any period of time prior to the
Closing Date but only as such Persons may reasonably request in connection with their defense against, or response to, any Relevant Action or Inquiry.
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(c) Without limiting the generality of Section 6.11(a), from and after the Closing, the Seller Parties shall, (i) upon reasonable prior
notice, give the Buyer Parties, their respective officers, employees and authorized Representatives, reasonable access to its books and records, and
(ii) furnish to the Buyer Parties, their counsel, financial advisors, auditors and other authorized Representatives such financial and operating data and
other information relating to its business or assets, in each case of (i) and (ii), that are in the possession of the Seller Parties and their Affiliates and
relating to the Target Group Companies, the Target Business or the Contributed Assets (including, for the avoidance of doubt, those relating to Bigo, Inc.
and its subsidiaries to the extent such items relate to their transactions with the Target Business) for any period of time prior to the Closing Date but only
as such Persons may reasonably request in connection with their defense against, or response to, any Relevant Action or Inquiry.
(d) Without prejudice to the Buyer Parties’ rights and the Seller Parties’ obligations under Section 6.6, from and after the Closing,
the Buyer Parties shall be entitled to conduct further review of the Target Group Companies, the Target Business and the Contributed Assets, and the
Seller Parties shall provide reasonable assistance to the Buyer Parties as may be requested by the Buyer Parties, from time to time prior to the third (3rd)
anniversary of the Closing, to the extent such review relates to any period of time prior to the Closing Date. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, in the event that any of the Buyer Parent, the Buyer Parties and their Affiliates proposes to engage Deloitte & Touche Financial Advisory
Services Limited or any other forensic accountant, legal counsel or other advisor that is or was engaged by any Seller Party or its Affiliates to conduct
investigation over the Target Business and a conflict of interest waiver is sought from such Seller Party or its Affiliates by such forensic accountant,
legal counsel or other advisor, the Seller Parties shall cause the waiver to be promptly granted.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, no Party shall be required to provide access to, or to disclose
information, to the extent such access or disclosure would jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of such Party or its Affiliates, or contravene any
applicable Law (including with respect to any competitively sensitive information, if any).
Section 6.12 Adjustments to the Fourth Tranche Consideration. Subject to the Closing having taken place:
(a) For purposes of this Agreement:
(i) “Agreed OP Exchange Rate”, with respect to any given fiscal year, means a USD:RMB exchange rate derived from the
arithmetic mean of the USD:RMB central parity rates on the interbank foreign exchange market published by the People’s Bank of China on its
website for the last ten (10) weekdays of such fiscal year.
(ii) “OP Benchmark” means RMB3,700,000,000.
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(iii) “OP 2021 Deviation” means the OP Deviation with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
(iv) “OP 2022 Deviation” means the OP Deviation with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
(v) “OP Deviation”, with respect to any given fiscal year, means (x) if the Operating Profits with respect to such fiscal year are
lower than the OP Benchmark, an RMB amount equal to (i) the OP Benchmark minus (ii) the Operating Profits with respect to such fiscal year, or
(y) if the Operating Profits with respect to such fiscal year are equal to or higher than the OP Benchmark, zero (0).
(vi) “Operating Profits”, with respect to any given fiscal year, means an RMB amount equal to (x) the consolidated operating
profits, plus (y) share-based compensation expenses, minus (z) government subsidies, in each case, of the Target Business on a consolidated basis
in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
(b) As soon as practicable after each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022 (in any event no later than
the date falling two (2) months after the date on which the Buyer Parent first files its annual report on Form 20-F in respect of such fiscal year with the
SEC (the “Profit Adjustment Statement Deadline” for such fiscal year)), the Buyer shall deliver to the Seller a statement (the “Profit Adjustment
Statement” for such fiscal year) setting forth therein the Buyer’s good faith calculation of the OP Deviation with respect to such fiscal year, together
with reasonable supporting evidence relating thereto. The Seller shall have a period of fifteen (15) Business Days after the date on which the Profit
Adjustment Statement is delivered by the Buyer to deliver to the Buyer a written notice of the Seller’s disagreement with the Buyer’s calculation of the
OP Deviation for such fiscal year. During such fifteen (15) Business Day period, the Buyer shall (i) permit the Seller and their accountants to consult
with the Target Group Companies’ senior management and Buyer’s accountants, and (ii) permit the Seller to review additional supporting materials as
the Buyer may choose to provide. If the Seller has timely delivered the foregoing notice, the Buyer and the Seller shall seek in good faith to resolve in
writing any differences they have with respect to the matters specified therein within five (5) Business Days following the delivery of such notice. If the
Seller and the Buyer are unable to resolve the disputed items set forth in such notice within five (5) Business Days following the Seller’s delivery of
such notice (or such longer period as the Seller and the Buyer may mutually agree in writing), such dispute shall be submitted to, and all issues related to
such dispute shall be resolved by, a “big four” accounting firm selected by mutual agreement between the Seller and the Buyer (provided that if the
Seller and the Buyer are unable to agree on such selection within two (2) Business Days after the expiration of the foregoing five (5) Business Day
period, the Buyer shall be entitled to propose two big-four accounting firms to the Seller, and the Seller shall, within two (2) Business Days of such
proposal, select one of the two accounting firms so proposed or, if the Seller shall not have timely made such selection, the Buyer shall select the
accounting firm) (the accounting firm selected pursuant to the foregoing, the “OP Accounting Firm”). The OP Accounting Firm shall be jointly engaged
by the Seller and the Buyer (or their respective designated Affiliated entities). The Seller and the Buyer shall submit to the OP Accounting Firm, as
expert and not as arbitrator, for review and resolution all matters (but only such matters) that are set forth in such notice which remain in dispute, and the
Buyer Parties shall (i) permit the OP Accounting Firm to consult with the Target Group Companies’ senior management and Buyer’s accountants, and
(ii) provide to the OP Accounting Firm reasonable access during normal business hours to the books and records relevant to the Profit Adjustment
Statement. The Seller and the Buyer shall instruct the OP Accounting Firm to (i) not assign to the Operating Profits with respect to such fiscal year a
value that is (A) greater than the greater value assigned by the Buyer, on the one hand, or the Seller, on the other hand, or (B) less than the smaller value
assigned by the Buyer, on the one hand, or the Seller, on the other hand, (ii) make its determination in accordance with the guidelines and procedures set
forth in this Agreement and consistent with the US GAAP and render a final resolution in writing to the Buyer and the Seller (which final resolution
shall be requested by the Buyer and the Seller to be delivered not more than ten (10) Business Days following submission of such disputed matters to the
OP Accounting Firm), which, absent manifest error, shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Parties with respect to the OP Deviation for the
relevant fiscal year, and (iii) provide a written report to the Buyer and the Seller, if requested by either of them, which sets forth in reasonable detail the
basis for the OP Accounting Firm’s final determination. The fees and expenses of the OP Accounting Firm shall be borne by the Seller and the Buyer (or
their respective designated Affiliated entities) on a 50/50 basis.
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(c) The OP Deviation (as adjusted by the agreement of the Parties or at the direction of the OP Accounting Firm, as applicable) with
respect to any fiscal year shall be deemed final for the purposes of this Agreement and binding upon the Parties upon the earlier of the (i) failure of the
Seller to notify the Buyer of a dispute within fifteen (15) Business Days after delivery of the applicable Profit Adjustment Statement, and (ii) resolution
of all disputes pursuant to Section 6.12(b), by the OP Accounting Firm or by the Parties; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the contrary, if the Profit Adjustment Statement for any fiscal year has not been delivered to the Seller as of the applicable Profit
Adjustment Statement Deadline, the OP Deviation in respect of such fiscal year shall be equal to zero (0), which shall be deemed final for the purposes
of this Agreement and binding upon the Parties.
(d) Upon the OP 2021 Deviation having become final and binding upon the Parties in accordance with Section 6.12(c), the Fourth
Tranche Consideration shall be recalculated as: US$300,000,000, minus the USD equivalent (calculated at the Agreed OP Exchange Rate with respect to
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021) of the OP 2021 Deviation (the Fourth Tranche Consideration so recalculated, the “Post 2021 Adjustment
Fourth Tranche Consideration”); provided that if the Post 2021 Adjustment Fourth Tranche Consideration is a negative amount, the Post 2021
Adjustment Fourth Tranche Consideration shall be equal to zero (0).
(e) Upon the OP 2022 Deviation having become final and binding upon the Parties in accordance with Section 6.12(c), the Fourth
Tranche Consideration shall be further recalculated as: the Post 2021 Adjustment Fourth Tranche Consideration, minus the USD equivalent (calculated
at the Agreed OP Exchange Rate with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022) of the OP 2022 Deviation (the Fourth Tranche Consideration
so further recalculated, the “Post 2022 Adjustment Fourth Tranche Consideration”); provided that if the Post 2022 Adjustment Fourth Tranche
Consideration is a negative amount, the Post 2022 Adjustment Fourth Tranche Consideration shall be equal to zero (0).
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(f) From and after the Closing through December 31, 2022, the Buyer Parties shall cause the Target Business to be conducted in
good faith, and may not cause any operating profits that otherwise would have constituted Operating Profits to be transferred to or booked in another
entity Controlled by the Buyer Parent without business justification and primarily for the purpose of inflating the OP 2021 Deviation or the OP 2022
Deviation.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
Section 7.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:
(a) by the written consent of the Buyer and the Seller;
(b) by either the Buyer or the Seller by written notice to the other Parties if the Closing shall not have been consummated on or prior
to the Long Stop Date; provided, however, that the Buyer or the Seller, as applicable, shall not be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
Section 7.1(b) if the failure of the Closing to be consummated on or prior to the Long Stop Date results primarily from a breach by that Party or any of
its Affiliates of any representation, warranty, agreement or covenant set forth in this Agreement;
(c) by either the Buyer or the Seller by written notice to the other Parties if any Governmental Authority shall have issued any Order
or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining, preventing, prohibiting or otherwise making illegal the consummation of the Contemplated
Transactions and such Order or other action has become final and non-appealable; provided that the Buyer or the Seller, as applicable, shall not be
entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(c) if the imposition of such Order or the taking of other action results primarily from a
breach by that Party or any of its Affiliates of any representation, warranty, agreement or covenant set forth in this Agreement;
(d) by the Buyer by giving written notice to the Seller, if, between the date hereof and the Closing Date, (i) any Seller Party is in
breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement, (ii) that breach, if by its nature capable of being cured, is not
cured within ten (10) Business Days of written notice of such breach from the Buyer, and (iii) that breach, if not cured, would render any of the
conditions set forth in Section 3.1 and Section 3.2 incapable of being satisfied by the Long Stop Date; provided that the Buyer shall not be entitled to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(d) if any Buyer Party is then in breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set
forth in this Agreement and that breach would result in any of the conditions set forth in Section 3.1 and Section 3.2 not being satisfied; or
(e) by the Seller by giving written notice to the Buyer, if, between the date hereof and the Closing Date, (i) any Buyer Party is in
breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement, (ii) that breach, if by its nature capable of being cured, is not
cured within ten (10) Business Days of written notice of such breach from the Seller, and (iii) that breach, if not cured, would render any of the
conditions set forth in Section 3.1 and Section 3.3 incapable of being satisfied by the Long Stop Date; provided that the Seller shall not be entitled to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(e) if any Seller Party is then in breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set
forth in this Agreement and that breach would result in any of the conditions set forth in Section 3.1 and Section 3.3 not being satisfied.
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Section 7.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 7.1, this Agreement shall
forthwith become void and have no effect, without any Liability or obligation on the part of any Party under this Agreement; provided that (a) this
Section 7.2, ARTICLE IX and all provisions of this Agreement necessary for the interpretation thereof shall survive such termination, and (b) nothing in
this Section 7.2 shall release any Party from any Liability for fraud or any breach by such Party of this Agreement prior to the effective date of such
termination, or otherwise affect any of the rights or remedies (whether under this Agreement, or at law, in equity or otherwise) available to any Party
with respect to any breach of this Agreement by any other Party prior to the effective date of such termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in this Agreement, within one (1) Business Day after the earlier to occur of (x) the Long Stop Date (without the Closing having occurred) and (y) the
termination of this Agreement, (i) the Seller Parties shall or shall procure its applicable Affiliates to deliver a joint written instruction to the Existing
Escrow Agent to release to the Buyer (or its designee) the Existing Escrow Amount together with all interest that may have accrued thereon and (ii) the
Buyer Parties shall procure their applicable Affiliate to deliver a joint written instruction to the TSA Escrow Agent to release to the Seller (or its
designee) the TSA Escrow Amount together with all interest that may have accrued thereon.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 8.1 Survival of the Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made by the Seller Parties to the Buyer
Parties set forth in Section 4.1 shall survive for a period of eighteen (18) months following the Closing Date; provided that the Company Fundamental
Representations shall survive indefinitely or until the latest date permitted by Law; provided, further, that all representations and warranties contained in
Section 4.1(r) relating to Taxes shall survive until the seventh (7th) anniversary of the Closing Date. All representations and warranties made by Mr. Li
to the Buyer Parties set forth in Section 4.3 shall survive indefinitely or until the latest date permitted by Law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an
Indemnified Party asserts any claim in writing pursuant to Section 8.2 resulting from or arising out of an alleged breach of any such representation or
warranty on or prior to the applicable expiration date of such representation or warranty, such representation or warranty shall survive, solely with
respect to such asserted claim, until such claim has been finally resolved. The covenants and agreements of each Party set forth in this Agreement,
including the Non-Compete Undertaking Provisions, shall survive the Closing until they are terminated, whether by the performance thereof, their
respective express terms or as a matter of applicable Law.
Section 8.2 Indemnification.
(a) From and after the Closing, the Seller Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless the Buyer Parties and their
Affiliates, and their Affiliates’ respective directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and permitted assigns from and against any losses, claims,
damages, judgments, fines, Taxes, expenses and Liabilities, including without limitation any lost profits, lost revenue, investigative and legal expenses
incurred in connection with and any amounts paid in settlement of, any pending or threatened Action (but in any event excluding exemplary or punitive
damages, except to the extent such damages are awarded to or recovered by a third party in connection with a Third Party Claim) (collectively,
“Losses”) arising out of or resulting from (i) the breach of any representation or warranty of any Seller Party set forth in this Agreement, (ii) the breach
of any covenant or agreement of any Seller Party set forth in this Agreement (excluding the Non-Compete Undertaking Provisions), (iii) any Specified
Indemnity Matter, and (iv) the breach by any Seller Party of any Non-Compete Undertaking Provision.
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(b) From and after the Closing, Mr. Li shall indemnify and hold harmless the Buyer Parties and their Affiliates, and their Affiliates’
respective directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and permitted assigns from and against any Losses arising out of or resulting from (A) the
breach of any representation or warranty of Mr. Li set forth in this Agreement, or (B) the breach by Mr. Li of any Non-Compete Undertaking Provision.
(c) From and after the Closing, the Buyer Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless the Seller Parties and their
Affiliates, and their Affiliates’ respective directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and permitted assigns from and against any Losses arising
out of or resulting from (i) the breach of any representation or warranty of any Buyer Party set forth in this Agreement, or (ii) the breach of any covenant
of any Buyer Party set forth in this Agreement.
(d) For purposes of this Agreement, (i) “Indemnifying Party” means the Seller Parties (with respect to Section 8.2(a)), Mr. Li (with
respect to Section 8.2(b)) and the Buyer Parties (with respect to Section 8.2(c)), and (ii) “Indemnified Party” means the Persons entitled to seek
indemnification against the applicable Indemnifying Party pursuant to Section 8.2(a), Section 8.2(b) or Section 8.2(c), as applicable.
(e) Solely for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of any Losses relating to indemnification remedies (and not for determining
whether any breach has occurred) provided in this Article VIII, the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by any Indemnifying
Party in any Transaction Document shall be considered and applied with no regard to any qualification therein as to materiality, Material Adverse Effect
or similar materiality qualifiers.
Section 8.3 Third Party Claims.
(a) If any third party shall notify any Indemnified Party in writing with respect to any matter involving a claim by such third party (a
“Third Party Claim”) which such Indemnified Party believes would give rise to a claim for indemnification against an Indemnifying Party under this
Article VIII, then the Indemnified Party shall promptly following receipt of notice of such claim transmit to the Indemnifying Party a written notice (a
“Claim Notice”) describing in reasonable detail the nature of the Third Party Claim, a copy of all papers served with respect to such claim (if any) and
the basis of the Indemnified Party’s request for indemnification under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no failure or delay in providing
such Claim Notice shall constitute a waiver or otherwise modify the Indemnified Party’s right to indemnification hereunder, except to the extent that the
Indemnifying Party shall have been materially and adversely prejudiced by such failure or delay. If the Indemnifying Party does not notify the
Indemnified Party in writing within thirty (30) days from receipt of such Claim Notice that the Indemnifying Party disputes such claim for
indemnification under this Agreement, the Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have accepted and agreed with such claim for indemnification under
this Agreement.
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(b) Upon the receipt of a Claim Notice with respect to a Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the
defense of any Third Party Claim by notifying the Indemnified Party in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of such Claim Notice that the
Indemnifying Party elects to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim, and upon delivery of such notice by the Indemnifying Party, the
Indemnifying Party shall have the right to fully control and settle the relevant proceeding; provided that any such settlement shall require the prior
written consent of the Indemnified Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Third
Party Claim if (i) the Third Party Claim arises out of or results from any criminal action, (ii) the Third Party Claim seeks an injunction or equitable relief
against any Indemnified Party, or (iii) the Indemnifying Party has not acknowledged that such Third Party Claim is subject to indemnification pursuant
to this ARTICLE VIII.
(c) If requested by the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party shall, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party,
cooperate reasonably with the Indemnifying Party and its counsel in contesting any Third Party Claim which the Indemnifying Party elects to contest,
including in connection with the making of any related counterclaim against the third party asserting the Third Party Claim or any cross complaint
against any Person. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to receive copies of all pleadings, notices and communications with respect to such Third
Party Claim, other than any privileged communications between the Indemnifying Party and its counsel, and shall be entitled, at its sole cost and
expense, to retain separate co-counsel and participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement of any Third Party Claim assumed by the
Indemnifying Party pursuant to Section 8.3(b).
(d) In the event that the Indemnifying Party fails to elect to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim within thirty (30) days of
receipt of the relevant Claim Notice or otherwise fails to continue the defense of the Indemnified Party in good faith, the Indemnified Party may, at its
option, defend, settle, compromise or pay such action or claim at the expense of the Indemnifying Party.
Section 8.4 Tax Indemnity. In addition to (but without duplication of) the indemnification set forth in Section 8.2, the Seller Parties shall,
jointly and severally, indemnify and hold harmless the Buyer Parties and their Affiliates for any Tax incurred or assessed pursuant to any applicable Law
(including without limitation pursuant to Circular 7) arising out of or relating to (i) the Restructuring or (ii) the sale and transfer of the Sale Shares as
contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 8.5 Direct Claims. If any Indemnified Party has a claim against any Indemnifying Party hereunder that does not involve a Third
Party Claim, the Indemnified Party shall promptly transmit to the Indemnifying Party a written notice (the “Indemnity Notice”) describing in reasonable
detail the nature of the claim, the Indemnified Party’s best estimate of the amount of Losses attributable to such claim and the basis of the Indemnified
Party’s request for indemnification under this Agreement; provided that no failure or delay in providing such Indemnity Notice shall constitute a waiver
or otherwise modify the Indemnified Party’s right to indemnification hereunder, except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party shall have been
materially and adversely prejudiced by such failure or delay. If the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party within thirty (30) days
from its receipt of the Indemnity Notice that the Indemnifying Party disputes such claim, the Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have accepted and
agreed with such claim.
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Section 8.6 Limitation on Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement:
(a) No Indemnified Party may assert a claim or commence an Action against any Indemnifying Party for breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein, unless written notice of such claim or Action describing in reasonable detail the facts
and circumstances with respect to the subject matter of such claim or Action is received by such Indemnifying Party on or prior to the date on which the
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on which such claim or Action is based ceases to survive in accordance with Section 8.1, provided that
with respect to any Specified Indemnity Matter for which a “claims outside date” is specified in Exhibit I, no claim may be asserted, and no action may
be commenced, against any Indemnifying Party unless written notice of such claim or Action describing in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances
with respect to the subject matter of such claim or Action is received by such Indemnifying Party on or prior to the date so specified in Exhibit I.
(b) Other than a claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(i) for Losses arising out of or resulting from any breach of any
of the Company Fundamental Representations or pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(iii) regarding the matters specified in Clause (viii), Clause (ix), or Clause
(x) of Exhibit I or pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(iv) or pursuant to Section 6.7, the second paragraph of Part A of Exhibit F or Section 6.9, for which no
limitation on liability pursuant to this Section 8.6(b) shall apply, the Seller Parties shall not be liable for any Losses with respect to any claim for
indemnification pursuant to Section 8.2(a), unless and until the total amount of all Losses suffered or incurred by the relevant Indemnified Parties
hereunder exceeds an amount equal to US$3,000,000, whereupon the Seller Parties shall be liable only for all Losses in excess of US$1,000,000.
(c) The aggregate liability of the Seller Parties for claims under this ARTICLE VIII (other than claims for indemnification pursuant
to Section 8.2(a)(i) arising out of or resulting from any breach of any of the Company Fundamental Representations or pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(iv) or
pursuant to Section 6.9, or claims pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(iii) regarding the matters specified in Clause (x) of Exhibit I) shall in no event exceed
US$360,000,000 (or, if the Second Tranche Consideration has been reduced in accordance with Section 6.7, US$360,000,000 minus the amount of such
reduction). The aggregate liability of the Seller Parties for claims under this ARTICLE VIII, including claims for indemnification pursuant to
Section 8.2(a) arising out of or resulting from any breach of any of the Company Fundamental Representations and claims pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(iii)
regarding the matters specified in Clause (x) of Exhibit I but excluding claims for indemnification pursuant to Section 6.9 or Section 8.2(a)(iv), shall in
no event exceed the aggregate amount of Consideration actually received by the Seller Parties. For the avoidance of doubt, the limitation on liability
pursuant to this Section 8.6(c) shall in no circumstances apply to claims for indemnification pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(iv).
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(d) Each of the Buyer Parties shall, and shall cause the Target Group Companies to, use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate
Losses the applicable Indemnified Party may suffer as a result of any other Party’s breach of this Agreement, after it becomes aware of any such breach.
(e) Any Indemnifiable Loss shall be determined without duplication of recovery by reason of the state of facts giving rise to such
Indemnifiable Loss constituting a breach of more than one representation, warranty, covenant or agreement herein. No Indemnified Party shall be
entitled to recover for any Indemnifiable Loss based on the same set of facts more than once.
(f) In no event shall any Party be liable to any Indemnified Party for any Loss (i) to the extent such Indemnified Party recovers an
amount in respect of such Loss from any third party (including under any insurance policy) and only to the extent of such amount actually recovered
(less any related costs and expenses, including the aggregate cost of pursuing any related claims), (ii) that is a contingent liability, unless and until such
liability is actually due and payable (provided that this sub-section (ii) shall not restrict an Indemnified Party from bringing a claim when such continent
liability is pending), or (iii) to the extent arising out of or resulting from any act, omission, transaction or arrangement carried out at the written request
or with the written approval of any Buyer Party or as expressly required by any of the Transaction Documents.
intentional breach of the Indemnifying Party or its Affiliates.
(g) The limitations on indemnification set forth in this Section 8.6 shall not apply to any claim for fraud, willful misconduct or
(h) If any monetary claim for indemnification has been asserted pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(iv) in accordance with the dispute
resolution set forth in Section 9.1, no Buyer Party may, and each Buyer Party shall procure its Affiliates to not, assert any monetary claim (and shall
promptly terminate or cause to be terminated any monetary claim that may have been asserted) in the PRC under the Non-Compete Undertaking that is
based on substantially the same facts or circumstances giving rise to the claim asserted pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(iv); provided that this Section 8.6(h)
shall not prevent or restrict the right of any Indemnified Party to obtain any remedy (including without limitation injunctive relief, specific performance
and claims for expenses of attorneys in relation thereto) other than the monetary claims as set forth above under this Section 8.6(h)) pursuant to the
Non-Compete Undertaking.
Section 8.7 Investigation. The right to indemnification will not be affected by any investigation conducted with respect to, or any
knowledge acquired (or capable of being acquired) at any time, whether prior to or after the date hereof or the Closing Date, with respect to any matter,
including the accuracy of or compliance with any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by a Party hereto. The waiver of any condition
relating to the accuracy of any such representation or warranty or the performance of or compliance with any such covenant or agreement will not affect
the right to indemnification hereunder based on any such representation, warranty, covenant or agreement.
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Section 8.8 Tax Gross-Up. If an Indemnifying Party is required to deduct or withhold from a payment under Section 8.2 to an Indemnified
Party any Tax, the Indemnifying Party shall pay on demand from the Indemnified Party such additional amounts as shall be required so that the net
amount received by such Indemnified Party after such deduction or withholding shall equal the amount that would have been received by such
Indemnified Party had no such deduction or withholding been made.
Section 8.9 Exclusive Remedy. From and after the Closing, the indemnification provisions set forth in this ARTICLE VIII shall be the sole
and exclusive monetary remedy for each Indemnified Party for any claims by such Indemnified Party against the Indemnifying Parties arising from this
Agreement; provided that this Section 8.9 shall not prevent or restrict (a) the right of any Indemnified Party to obtain injunctive relief or specific
performance from a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction in accordance with Section 9.13, or (b) any claim against an Indemnifying Party for fraud
or willful misconduct of the Indemnifying Party or its Affiliates.
Section 8.10 Right to Cure. The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any claim made by an Indemnified Party pursuant to this
ARTICLE VIII to the extent any breach or circumstances underlying such claim is capable of being remedied or otherwise cured and the Indemnifying
Party shall have remedied or otherwise cured the same within ten (10) Business Days after being given notice of the same by such Indemnified Party,
unless such Indemnified Party shall have actually suffered any Losses in connection with or attributable to the matters giving rise to such claim.
Section 8.11 Tax Treatment of Indemnification Payments. All indemnification payments made under this ARTICLE VIII shall be treated as
adjustment to the Consideration (and the applicable component thereof) for all Tax purposes unless otherwise required by any applicable Law.
Section 8.12 No Set off. All amounts required to be paid under this Agreement shall be paid free and clear of any withholding, deduction
or set-off of any kind, except as specifically provided otherwise herein. Without limitation to the foregoing, no Party shall have any right to set off any
amount claimed or required to be paid to such Party or any Indemnified Person pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII against any amount required to be paid
by such Party pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.1 Governing Law; Dispute Resolution. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of
Hong Kong without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule thereof. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement,
including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination, shall be exclusively referred to and finally resolved by arbitration at the Hong
Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “HKIAC”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration
Rules in force when the relevant arbitration notice is received by the HKIAC. There shall be three arbitrators. Each side in dispute shall have the right to
appoint one arbitrator, and the third arbitrator shall be appointed by the HKIAC. The language to be used in the arbitration proceedings shall be English.
Each of the Parties irrevocably waives any immunity to jurisdiction to which it may be entitled or become entitled (including immunity to pre-award
attachment, post-award attachment or otherwise) in any arbitration proceedings and/or enforcement proceedings against it arising out of or based on this
Agreement or the Contemplated Transactions. The award of the arbitration tribunal shall be final and binding upon the Parties, and the prevailing Party
may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award. Any Party shall be entitled to seek preliminary injunctive relief from any
court of competent jurisdiction pending the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 9.1 is in any event without
prejudice to the dispute resolution set forth in the Non-Compete Undertaking.
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Section 9.2 Performance Pending Dispute Resolution. Unless otherwise terminated in accordance with the terms hereof, this Agreement
and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of any proceeding under Section 9.1.
Section 9.3 Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement shall not be amended or modified except by an agreement in writing executed by all the
Parties. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument signed by the Party waiving such
provision. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any
single or partial exercise of the same preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. All remedies, either under
this Agreement or by law or in equity, shall be cumulative and not alternative except as expressly provided otherwise herein.
Section 9.4 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, each of the Parties and their respective
heirs, successors and permitted assigns and legal representatives.
Section 9.5 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by any Party without the
express written consent of the other Parties, and any attempted assignment in violation of this Section 9.5 shall be void.
Section 9.6 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given if (a) in writing and served by personal delivery upon the Party for whom it is intended, (b) if delivered by facsimile
with receipt confirmed, (c) if delivered by email upon such email being sent unless the sending party subsequently learns or should have learned that
such email was not successfully delivered, or (d) if delivered by certified mail, registered mail or courier service, return receipt received, to the Party at
the address set forth below:
If to any Buyer Party, at:
Baidu Campus, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing, China
Address:
Attention:
Facsimile:
Email:
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With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Address:
Attention:
Facsimile:
Email:
If to any Seller Party, at:
Address:
Attention:
Email:
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Address:
Attention:
Facsimile:
Email:
Any Party may change its address for purposes of this Section 9.6 by giving the other Parties written notice of the new address in the manner set forth
above.
Section 9.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including without limitation all the Schedules and Exhibits hereto and all the provisions
incorporated by reference into this Agreement) and all the other Transaction Documents (including without limitation the Restructuring Plan and all the
Schedules and Exhibits thereto), constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with respect to the matters covered hereby and
thereby, and all prior agreements and understandings, oral or in writing, if any, between the Parties with respect to the matters covered hereby and
thereby (including without limitation the Original Share Purchase Agreement) are superseded by this Agreement (upon the effectiveness of this
Agreement) and the other Transaction Documents. All the Schedules and Exhibits to this Agreement, including without limitation the Restructuring Plan
and all the Schedules and Exhibits thereto, shall form a part of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any other
Transaction Document, this Agreement shall prevail.
Section 9.8 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is inoperative or unenforceable for any reason, such circumstances shall not
have the effect of rendering the provision in question inoperative or unenforceable in any other case or circumstance, or of rendering any other provision
or provisions herein contained invalid, inoperative or unenforceable to any extent whatsoever so long as the economic or legal substance of the
transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. If any provision of this Agreement shall be adjudged to
be excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope, activity or subject, such provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum degree necessary
to make such provision valid and enforceable under applicable Law so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible, and that such
modified provision shall thereafter be enforced to the fullest extent possible.
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Section 9.9 Fees and Expenses. Except as specifically provided otherwise in this Agreement or the Restructuring Plan, the Parties will bear
their respective expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of the Transaction Documents and the Contemplated
Transactions, including fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants, consultants and financial advisors.
Section 9.10 Confidentiality.
(a) Subject to Section 9.10(b), each Party shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, to the extent not in violation of applicable
Law, (i) keep confidential and shall not disclose to any Person the existence and substance of any Transaction Document, the negotiations relating to any
Transaction Document and any non-public information with respect to the foregoing (collectively, “Confidential Information”), (ii) if a Party or any of
its Representatives is legally compelled or is required by any stock exchange or any other regulatory body to disclose any such information, provide the
other Parties with prompt written notice of such requirement so that such other Party may seek a protective order or other remedy or waive compliance
with this Section 9.10(a), and (iii) in the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, or such other Party waives compliance with
this Section 9.10(a), furnish only that portion of such confidential information which is required by law, the stock exchange or other regulatory body to
be provided; provided, however, that the Party seeking to disclose shall have provided a draft of the proposed disclosure to the other Parties reasonably
in advance and shall have reasonably considered any comments from the other Parties to the content of such proposed disclosure; provided, further, that
each Party and its respective Representatives may disclose such information to their respective Affiliates, permitted assignees, financing sources,
partners, shareholders, senior management, employees, professional advisors, agents in each case only where such Persons or entities are bound by
appropriate non-disclosure obligations and have agreed to maintain the confidentiality of such information.
(b) Confidential Information shall not include any information that is (i) previously known on a non-confidential basis by the
receiving Party or any of its Representatives, (ii) in the public domain through no fault of such receiving Party or any of its Representatives,
(iii) received from a Person other than any of the other Parties or their respective Representatives, so long as such Person was not, to the best knowledge
of the receiving Party, subject to a duty of confidentiality to such other Party or (iv) developed independently by or on behalf of the receiving Party or
any of its Representatives without reference to Confidential Information of the disclosing Party.
Section 9.11 Third Party Rights. Except for an Indemnified Party’s right to seek indemnification pursuant to ARTICLE VIII, A Person that
is not a party to this Agreement has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Ordinance (Chapter 623 of the Laws of Hong Kong) to
enforce any term of, or enjoy any benefit under, this Agreement.
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Section 9.12 Headings. The headings of the various Articles and Sections of this Agreement are inserted merely for convenience and do
not expressly or by implication limit, define or extend the specific terms of the Article or Section so designated.
Section 9.13 Specific Performance. The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the failure of either Party to perform its agreements
and covenants hereunder, including its failure to take all actions as are necessary on its part to consummate the Contemplated Transactions, will cause
irreparable injury to the other Party, for which damages alone, even if available, will not be an adequate remedy. Accordingly, each Party hereby agrees
and undertakes that the Parties shall be entitled to seek the remedies of injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief from any court or
tribunal of competent jurisdiction for any threatened or actual breach of the terms of this Agreement, to enforce specifically the terms and provisions
hereof and to compel performance of such Party’s obligations (including the taking of such actions as are required of such Party to consummate the
Contemplated Transactions), this being in addition to and without prejudice to any other rights or remedies to which either Party is entitled under this
Agreement. The Parties further agree to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with any such remedy, and that,
such remedy shall be in addition to any other remedy to which a Party is entitled at law or in equity.
Section 9.14 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, including counterparts transmitted by facsimile
or e-mail, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of executed
signature pages by facsimile or electronic transmission (via scanned PDF) by all Parties will constitute effective and binding execution and delivery of
this Agreement.
Section 9.15 Obligations Joint and Several. Any obligation of any Seller Party hereunder shall be an obligation of all Seller Parties on a
joint and several basis as between each other. Any obligation of any Buyer Party hereunder shall be an obligation of all Buyer Parties on a joint and
several basis as between each other.
Section 9.16 Effectiveness. This Agreement shall take effect on the Closing Date immediately prior to the Closing.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
BAIDU (HONG KONG) LIMITED
By: /s/ YUAN Dandan
Name: YUAN Dandan
Title: Authorized Representative
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Share Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
MOON SPV LIMITED
By: /s/ CAO Xiaodong
Name: CAO Xiaodong
Title: Authorized Signatory
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Share Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
JOYY INC.
By: /s/ Xueling Li
Name: Xueling Li
Title: Authorized Signatory
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Share Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
FUNSTAGE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
By: /s/ Li Ting
Name: Li Ting
Title: Authorized Signatory
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Share Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
TOPSTAGE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
By: /s/ Li Ting
Name: Li Ting
Title: Authorized Signatory
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Share Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)
By: /s/ Li Ting
Name: Li Ting
Title: Legal Representative
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Share Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)
By: /s/ Li Ting
Name: Li Ting
Title: Legal Representative
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Share Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)
By: /s/ Li Ting
Name: Li Ting
Title: Legal Representative
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Share Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
RUNDERFO INC.
By: /s/ Zhang Ying
Name: Zhang Ying
Title: Authorized Signatory
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Share Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
DAVID XUELING LI
/s/ DAVID XUELING LI
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Share Purchase Agreement]
Termination Agreement of Current Control Contracts
Exhibit 4.86
This Termination Agreement of Current Control Contracts (this “Agreement”) is made as of October 30, 2019 in Beijing, the People’s Republic of
China (the “PRC,” for purposes of this Agreement excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) by and among:
Party A: Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign owned enterprise duly formed and validly existing under the PRC
laws, with its registered address at 3/F, Baidu Plaza, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing;
Party B: Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd., a limited liability company duly formed and validly existing under the PRC laws, with its registered
address at A2, 2/F, Building 17, Zhongguancun Software Park, 8 Dong Bei Wang West Road, Haidian District, Beijing;
Party C: Zhixiang Liang, a PRC citizen, ID No. ; and
Lu Wang, a PRC citizen, ID No. ;
And
Party D: Baidu Inc., a company duly formed and validly existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands, with its registered address at M&C Corporate
Services Limited, P.O. Box 309 GT, Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands.
In this Agreement, each of the Parties above are collectively referred to as the “Parties,” individually as a “Party,” and mutually as “Other Parties.”
WHEREAS:
(1)
Each of the Parties has signed the documents listed in Exhibit 1 attached hereto (collectively the “Current Control Documents”) prior to the date
hereof; and
(2)
Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions herein, each of the Parties agrees to terminate all of the Current Control Documents.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows through negotiations:
1.
Termination of Current Control Documents
1.1 Each of the Parties hereby irrevocably agrees and acknowledges that all of the Current Control Documents shall terminate and cease to have any
effect as of the date hereof.
1.2 As of the date hereof, each of the Parties shall have no right under all and/or any of the Current Control Documents, or be required to fulfill any
obligation thereunder; provided, however, that (i) any rights exercised and obligations fulfilled by each of the Parties on reliance of the Current
Control Documents shall remain valid, no Party is required to return any payment, income or interest of any kind received by it or in its actual
possession on reliance of the Current Control Documents, and any amount which has become due and payable among Party A, Party B and Party
C shall be paid accordingly; notwithstanding the foregoing, Lu Wang shall return to Party A an amount of RMB1,598,440.00 equal to the entire
principal and interest accrued thereupon under the Loan Agreement listed in Exhibit 1 pursuant to the same Loan Agreement; and (ii) Party A,
Party B and Party C shall make application with the competent industrial and commercial authority having jurisdiction over Party B within [30]
business days as of the date hereof to cancel the registered pledge of the equity interests in Party B made by Lu Wang in favor of Party A under the
Current Control Documents.
1.3 Unless otherwise provided in Section 1.2 above, each of the Parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any dispute, claim, demand,
right, obligation, liability, action, contract or cause of action of any kind or nature it had, has or may have against the Other Parties directly or
indirectly in connection with or arising from all and/or any of the Current Control Documents.
1.4 Without prejudice to the generality of Sections 1.2 and 1.3 above, as of the date hereof, each of the Parties hereby waives any commitment, debt,
claim, demand, obligation and liability of any kind or nature that such Party or any of its successors, heirs, assigns or estate executors had, has or
may have against the Other Parties and their respective current and past directors, officers, employees, counsels and agents, affiliates of the
forgoing persons and the respective successors and assigns of each of the foregoing, in connection with or arising from the Current Control
Documents, including claims and cause of action at law or equity, whether initiated or not, absolute or contingent, known or unknown.
2.
Representations and Warranties
2.1 Mutual Representations and Warranties. Each of the Parties represents and warrants to the Other Parties that:
(1) it has full legal rights, powers and authorities to execute this Agreement and all contracts and documents referenced herein to which it is a
party, and execution of this Agreement represents expression of its genuine intent;
(2) none of its execution and performance of this Agreement will constitute breach of any organizational document to which it is a party or by
which it is bound, any agreement executed or permit obtained by it, or result in its breach of or requirement for it to obtain any judgment, ruling,
order or consent issued by a court, government authority or regulatory body; and
(3) it has obtained all consents, approvals and authorizations necessary for its valid execution of this Agreement, all contracts and documents
referenced herein to which it is a party, and for its compliance with and performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder.
3.
3.1
Covenants
In order to duly terminate the rights and obligations under the Current Control Documents, each Party shall execute all documents and take all
actions that are necessary or advisable, provide active support for the Other Parties in obtaining relevant government approvals and/or registration
documents and effecting relevant termination procedures.
4.
Termination
4.1 Except for the circumstances expressly provided herein, the Parties agree to terminate this Agreement:
(1) by all of the Parties through negotiation, and all expenses and losses incurred therefrom shall be borne respectively by the incurring Party; or
(2) by the non-defaulting Party if the intent of this Agreement is incapable of fulfilment due to a Party’s breach of its obligations hereunder.
5.
Breach Liabilities and Indemnification
5.1 Any Party shall be deemed in breach of this Agreement if it breaches or fails to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants,
obligations and liabilities set forth herein.
5.2 Unless otherwise expressly agreed herein, any Party in breach of this Agreement shall indemnify the non-defaulting Party for any cost, liability or
any loss (including without limitation any interest accrued therefrom and legal fees) incurred by the non-defaulting Party. The total amount of
indemnity payable by the defaulting Party to the non-defaulting Party shall be the loss arising from such breach.
6.
Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
6.1 The formation of this Agreement and its validity, interpretation, performance and resolution of any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the PRC.
6.2 All disputes arising from the performance of this Agreement or in connection with this Agreement shall be resolved by the Parties through
negotiations in good faith.
6.3 Any Party may submit any dispute arising from this Agreement to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) for
arbitration in Beijing in accordance with its arbitration rules and procedures then in effect. The arbitral tribunal shall consist of three arbitrators
appointed in accordance with the arbitration rules, with one arbitrator appointed by the claimant, one arbitrator by the respondent and the third
arbitrator by the two appointed arbitrators after consultation or by the CIETAC. The arbitration shall proceed on confidential basis in Chinese. The
arbitral award shall be final and binding upon all Parties.
2
6.4 During the arbitration, except the matters under dispute and pending arbitration, each Party shall continue to exercise its other rights and fulfill its
other obligations hereunder.
7.
Confidentiality
7.1 The Parties shall be obliged to keep confidential this Agreement and matters relating to this Agreement, and none of the Parties may disclose any
matter relating hereto to a third party other than the Parties hereto without the written consent of the Other Parties, except for any disclosure:
(1) to the auditor, legal advisor and any other person engaged by it in the ordinary course of business, provided that such person shall be obliged to
keep in confidence any information relating to this Agreement acquired by it during such engagement; and
(2) which could be otherwise accessible by the public, or is expressly required by law, regulation or relevant stock exchange authority.
8. Miscellaneous
8.1 This Agreement shall become effective upon signature of all of the Parties.
8.2 The Parties may amend or modify this Agreement through negotiations. Any such amendment or modification shall be made in writing and
become effective upon signature of all of the Parties.
8.3
If any provision hereof be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be deemed to have never existed herein and have no effect upon
validity of the remainder of this Agreement, and the Parties shall negotiate to provide for a new provision to the extent permissible by law to
ensure that the intent of the original provision be realized to the maximum extent.
8.4 Unless otherwise provided herein, no failure or delay in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder by a Party shall operate as its waiver of
such right, power or privilege, nor shall single or partial exercise of such right, power or privilege preclude the exercise of any other right, power
and privilege.
8.5 This Agreement is made in five originals with one thereof for each Party, and each of the originals shall be equally binding.
(No text below, Signatures to follow)
3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Party has executed or caused this Termination Agreement of Current Control Contracts to be executed by its
authorized representative on its behalf as of the date first written above with immediate effect.
Party A:
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
(seal)
/s/ Shanshan Cui
Legal Representative
Signature:
Name:
Title:
Party B:
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. (seal)
/s/ Shanshan Cui
Legal Representative
Signature:
Name:
Title:
Party C:
Zhixiang Liang
Signature:
/s/ Zhixiang Liang
Lu Wang
Signature:
/s/ Lu Wang
Party D:
Baidu, Inc.
Signature:
Name:
Title:
/s/ Yanhong Li
Director
4
Exhibit 1
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
List of Current Control Documents
Document Name
Operating Agreement
Loan Agreement
Exclusive Equity Purchase and
Transfer Option Agreement
Proxy Agreement
Power of Attorney
Equity Pledge Agreement
Signed by
Baidu Online Network Technology
(Beijing) Co., Ltd.; Beijing Perusal
Technology Co., Ltd.; and Lu Wang
Signed on
June 28, 2018
Baidu Online Network Technology
(Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Lu Wang
June 28, 2018
Baidu, Inc.; Baidu Online Network
Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.; Lu
Wang and Beijing Perusal
Technology Co., Ltd.
June 28, 2018
Baidu, Inc. and Lu Wang
June 28, 2018
Lu Wang
Baidu Online Network Technology
(Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Lu Wang
June 28, 2018
June 28, 2018
5
Business Operating Agreement
Exhibit 4.87
This Business Operating Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of October 30, 2019 in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (“PRC,” for
purposes of this Agreement, excluding Hong Kong Macau and Taiwan) by and among:
Party A: Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Registered Address: Baidu Building, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing
Party B: Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
Registered Address: A2 2/F No. 17 Building Zhongguancun Software Park, 8 East Bei Wang Road (W), Haidian District, Beijing
Party C: Zhixiang Liang, a PRC citizen, ID No.
And
Party D: Shanshan Cui, a PRC citizen, ID No.
WHEREAS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Party A is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the PRC, has the technology expertise and
practical experience in the development and design of computer software, as well as rich experience and human resources specializing in
information technology and services;
Party B is a limited liability company duly incorporated and validly existing under PRC law, is permitted by Beijing Telecommunications
Administration to provide internet information services and other value-added telecommunication services, and is permitted by Beijing Industrial
and Commercial Administration to provide internet-based advertising services;
Each of Party C and Party D is a shareholder of Party B owning 50% equity interests in Party B;
Party A and Party B have established business relationship by entering into an Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement and a
supplement thereto (the “Services Agreement”), a Web Layout Copyright License Agreement, a Trademark License Agreement, and a Domain
Name License Agreement; and
Pursuant to the above-mentioned agreements between Party A and Party B, Party B shall make certain payments to Party A, and the business
operations of Party B will have a material effect on Party B’s ability to make such payments to Party A.
NOW THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows through negotiations:
1.
Party A agrees, subject to satisfaction of applicable provisions herein by Party B, to be the guarantor of Party B in the contracts, agreements or
transactions entered into between Party B and any third party in connection with Party B’s business operations, to provide full guarantees for
performance of such contracts, agreements or transactions by Party B. As counter-guarantee, Party B agrees to pledge the accounts receivable in
its operations and all of its assets to Party A. Based on the above guarantee arrangement, Party A, when necessary, is willing to enter into written
guarantee contracts with Party B’s counterparties to assume the guarantor’s liabilities. Party B, Party C and Party D shall take all necessary actions
(including without limitation executing relevant documents and filing relevant registrations) to carry out the counter-guarantee arrangement with
Party A.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
In consideration of the requirements of Article 1 hereof and to ensure performance of the various business agreements between Party A and Party
B and payment by Party B of the amounts payable to Party A thereunder, Party B, Party C and Party D hereby agree that, without Party A’s prior
written consent, Party B shall not engage in any transaction that may materially affect its assets, liabilities, rights or operations (other than
execution of any business contract or agreement, sale or purchase of any asset by Party B in its ordinary course of business and receipt of legal
rights by applicable counterparties as a result thereof), including without limitation the following:
2.1 To borrow money from any third party or assume any debt;
2.2 To sell to or acquire from any third party any asset or right, including without limitation any intellectual property rights;
2.3 To create any security upon any of its assets or intellectual property rights in favor of any third party; or
2.4 To assign any of its business contracts to any third party.
In order to ensure the performance of all of the business agreements between Party A and Party B and the payment by Party B of the amounts
payable to Party A thereunder, Party B, Party C and Party D hereby agree to accept advice and guidance provided by Party A from time to time
relating to Party B’s policies on matters such as employment and dismissal of employees, daily operations and management, and financial
management.
Party B, Party C and Party D hereby agree that Party C and Party D shall appoint the candidate recommended by Party A as directors of Party B,
and Party B shall appoint any member recommended by Party A from its senior management to serve as the general manager, financial director
and any other senior management position of Party B. If such member of Party A’s senior management terminates its employment with Party A
voluntarily or by dismissal of Party A, such member shall be no longer qualified to serve at any position in Party B; under such circumstance,
Party B shall appoint any other member recommended by Party A from its senior management to fill the position vacated by such circumstance.
Any candidate recommended by Party A to Party B shall meet the qualifications legally required for director, general manager, financial director
or any other senior management position.
Party B, Party C and Party D hereby agree and acknowledge that Party B shall seek guaranty from Party A in priority if such guaranty is needed
for its performing any contract or borrowing any working capital loan in connection with its business operations; under such circumstance, Party
A shall be obliged to provide guaranty to Party B as appropriate in its own discretion.
In the event that any agreement between Party A and Party B terminates or expires, Party A shall have the right, but not the obligation, to
terminate all agreements between Party A and Party B, including without limitation the Services Agreement.
Any amendment or supplement to this Agreement shall be made in writing. The amendment or supplement duly executed by all parties shall form
an integral part of this Agreement and shall have the same legal effect as this Agreement.
Should any provision of this Agreement be held invalid or unenforceable because of inconsistency with applicable laws, such provision shall be
invalid or unenforceable only to the extent of jurisdiction of such applicable laws without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remainder
of this Agreement.
None of Party B, Party C or Party D may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any third party without the prior written consent
of Party A. Party B, Party C and Party D hereby agree that Party A may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement as Party A
considers it necessary to do so, in which case Party A only needs to give a written notice to Party B and no further consent of Party B, Part C or
Party D is required.
10. Each party acknowledges and confirms that any oral or written information exchanged pursuant to this Agreement are confidential. Each party
shall keep confidential all such information and not disclose any such information to any third party without the prior written consent from the
other party except for any information which: (a) is or will become known to the public (without any fault of the receiving party); (b) is required to
be disclosed by the applicable laws or rules of stock exchange; or (c) is disclosed by each party to its legal or financial advisor relating to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, provided that such legal or financial advisor shall comply with the confidentiality provisions set
forth in this Article 10. Disclosure of any confidential information by the employee of or any entity engaged by any Party shall be deemed as
disclosure by such Party, and such disclosing Party shall be liable for breach under this Agreement. This Article 10 shall survive the invalidity,
cancellation, termination or unenforceability of this Agreement for any reason.
2
11. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the PRC.
12. Any dispute arising in connection with the interpretation and performance of the provisions of this Agreement shall be resolved by the Parties in
good faith through negotiations. If no resolution is reached by the Parties through negotiations, any Party may submit such dispute to the China
International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (the “CIETAC”) for arbitration in accordance with CIETAC’s arbitration rules then in
effect. The seat of arbitration shall be in Beijing, and the language of the proceedings shall be Chinese. The arbitral award shall be final and
binding upon all of the Parties.
13. This Agreement shall be executed by a duly authorized representative of each Party and become effective as of the date first written above.
14. Once effective, this Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matters hereof and supersede all prior
oral and written agreements and understandings by the Parties with respect to the subject matters hereof.
15. This Agreement shall remain permanently valid unless early terminated as expressly agreed in this Agreement or by Party A in writing. If the
duration of operation (including any extension thereof) of Party A or Party B is expired or terminated for any other reason within the aforesaid
term of this Agreement, such Party shall timely renew its duration of operation to enable this Agreement to continue to be valid and
implementable. If a Party’s application to renew its duration of operation fails to obtain the approval or consent of any competent authority, this
Agreement shall be terminated simultaneously with the expiration or termination of the duration of operation of such Party.
16. During the term of this Agreement, unless due to commitment of any gross negligence or fraud by Party A towards Party B, none of Party B, Party
C or Party D may early terminate or end this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Party A shall have the right to terminate this Agreement
at any time by issuing a thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Party B, Party C and Party D.
17. All notices or other correspondences required to be sent by any Party hereunder shall be made in Chinese and delivered to the following addresses
of the other Parties or other addresses designated and notified to such Party from time to time via personal delivery, registered mail, post prepaid
mail, recognized express delivery service or fax. The notices shall be deemed to have been duly served (a) upon sent if sent by personal delivery,
(b) on the tenth (10th) day after the post-prepaid registered airmail is sent (shown on the postmark) if sent by mail, or on the fourth (4th) day after
the notice is handed to an internationally recognized express delivery service; and (c) at the time of receipt shown on the transmission
acknowledgement if sent via fax.
Party A:
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Address:
Attention:
Fax:
3/F, Baidu Building, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing
Shanshan Cui
Tel:
Party B:
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
Address:
Attention:
Fax:
Tel:
Party C:
Address:
Attention:
Fax:
Tel:
A2 2/F No. 17 Building Zhongguancun Software Park, 8 East Bei Wang Road (W), Haidian District, Beijing
Shanshan Cui
Baidu Building, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing
Zhixiang Liang
3
Party D:
Address:
Attention:
Baidu Building, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing
Shanshan Cui
18. This Agreement is made in four originals, with each party holding one original. All originals shall have the same legal effect.
(No text below)
4
IN WITNESS THEREOF, each Party has executed or caused this Agreement to be executed by its legal or authorized representative on its behalf as of
the date first written above.
(Signature page)
Party A:
Baidu Online Network Technology
(Beijing) Co., Ltd. (seal)
Signature:
Title:
/s/ Shanshan Cui
Legal Representative
Party B:
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
(seal)
Signature:
Title:
/s/ Shanshan Cui
Legal Representative
Party C:
Zhixiang Liang
Signature:
/s/ Zhixiang Liang
Party D:
Shanshan Cui
Signature:
/s/ Shanshan Cui
5
Exhibit 4.88
This Loan Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of October 30, 2019 in Beijing, by and between:
Party A: Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Registered Address: 3/F, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing
Loan Agreement
Party B: Shanshan Cui
ID Card No.
WHEREAS:
1.
2.
3.
Party A is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise incorporated under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”);
Party B is a Chinese citizen holding 50% equity interests in Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Perusal”); and
Party A agrees to provide to Party B, and Party B agrees to accept, a loan equal to RMB1,598,440,000 for the purposes contemplated
herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, Party A and Party B agree as follows through negotiations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Party A confirms that it has provided to Party B and Party B has
agreed to accept, a loan at an aggregate amount of RMB1,598,440,000.
Party B confirms its receipt of the loan and has applied the loan in its entirety to pay the price for its acquiring equity interests in Beijing
Perusal.
The term of the loan under this Agreement shall commence on the day of receipt of the loan by Party B until the 10th anniversary of the
date on which this Agreement is executed, which term is renewable upon agreement by the Parties in writing; provided, however, that the
loan provided hereunder could be accelerated for immediate repayment by Party B pursuant to this Agreement at the request of Party A in
writing at any time during the term of the loan or any renewal thereof if:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Party B resigns from or is dismissed by Party A or any affiliate of Party A;
Party B is dead, without civil legal capacity or with limited civil legal capacity;
Party B is found with criminal offense or involvement therein;
A claim is raised against Party B by any third party for an amount exceeding RMB100,000; or
Subject to the laws of the PRC, Party A or any of its nominees may make investment in Beijing Perusal for operation of
value-added telecommunication services and other services, such as internet information services, and Baidu, Inc. or any of
its nominees has elected to exercise its option by issuing a written notice to Party B to purchase the equity interests in Beijing
Perusal under the Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement referenced in article 4 hereof.
It is agreed and acknowledged that, subject to and to the extent permitted by the laws of the PRC, Baidu, Inc., as the holding company of
Party A, shall have the right but no obligation to purchase or nominate any other person (including any natural person, legal entity or other
entity) to purchase all or any part of the equity interests in Beijing Perusal held by Party B (the “Call Option”), provided that Baidu, Inc.
shall issue a written notice to Party B to exercise the Call Option. Upon Baidu, Inc.’s issuance of such written notice, Party B shall, as
requested and instructed by Party A, immediately transfer all of its equity interests in Beijing Perusal to Baidu, Inc. or any of its nominees
at the original investment price (the “Original Investment Price”) or any other price acceptable to Baidu, Inc. required under applicable
laws. It is agreed and acknowledged that upon exercising the Call Option by Baidu, Inc., if the lowest price of the equity interests
permitted under applicable laws is higher than the Original Investment Price, the price payable by Baidu, Inc. or any of its nominees shall
be the lowest price permitted under applicable laws. The Parties agree to enter into an Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option
Agreement with respect to the foregoing in this Article 4.
5.
6.
It is agreed and acknowledged that Party B shall repay the loan only as follows: upon its maturity and at the request of Party A in writing,
the loan provided hereunder shall be repaid by Party B (or any of its heirs, successors or assigns) with the proceeds from transfer of its
equity interests in Beijing Perusal to Baidu, Inc. or any of its nominees to the extent permitted under the PRC laws, or otherwise agreed by
the Parties.
It is agreed and acknowledged that in connection with transfer of the equity interests by Party B to Baidu, Inc. or any of its nominees upon
maturity of the loan, if the proceeds from such transfer are legally required to or otherwise exceed the principal of the loan, Party B agrees
to pay such excess amount, net of any individual income tax and other taxes and fees payable by Party B, to Baidu, Inc. or any of its
nominees at sole decision of Baidu, Inc. to the extent permissible by the law.
7.
It is agreed and acknowledged that Party B shall not be deemed to have fulfilled its obligations under this Agreement until:
(1)
(2)
it has transferred all of its equity interests in Beijing Perusal to Baidu, Inc. or any of its nominees; and
it has paid to Party A all of the proceeds from the equity interest transfer pursuant to Articles 5 and 6 of this Agreement.
8.
To secure performance of its obligations under this Agreement, Party B agrees to pledge all of its equity interests in Beijing Perusal to
Party A (the “Equity Pledge”). It is acknowledged that an Equity Pledge Agreement in respect of the foregoing in this Article 8 has been
made as of October 30, 2019.
9.
As of the date hereof, Party A represents and warrants to Party B that:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Party A is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the PRC;
Party A has the right to execute and perform this Agreement. The execution and performance of this agreement by Party A
comply with its business scope, articles or any other organization document, and Party A has obtained all approvals and
authorizations necessary and appropriate for its execution and performance of this Agreement;
The principal of the loan to Party B is legally owned by Party A;
Execution and performance of this Agreement by Party A does not violate any law, regulation, approval, authorization,
notice or other governmental document by which it is bound or affected, or any agreement between Party A and any third
party, or any covenant made by Party A to any third party; and
This Agreement, once executed, shall constitute legal, valid obligations of Party A and enforceable against Party A in
accordance with its terms.
10.
As of the date hereof until the end of this Agreement, Party B represents and warrants to Party A that:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Beijing Perusal is a limited liability company incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the PRC and Party B is a
legal holder of the equity interests in Beijing Perusal;
Party B has the right to execute and perform this Agreement. The execution and performance by Party B of this Agreement
comply with the articles or any other organizational document of Beijing Perusal, and Party B has obtained all approvals and
authorizations necessary and appropriate for its execution and performance of this Agreement;
Execution and performance of this Agreement by Party B does not violate any law, regulation, approval, authorization, notice
or other governmental document by which it is bound or affected, or any agreement between Party B and any third party, or
any covenant made by Party B to any third party;
This Agreement, once executed, shall constitute legal, valid obligations of Party B and enforceable against Party B in
accordance with its terms;
2
(5)
(6)
(7)
Party B has made all contributions required by law for its holding equity interests in Beijing Perusal;
Unless otherwise provided under the Equity Pledge Agreement and the Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option
Agreement, Party B does not create any mortgage, pledge or other security over its equity interests in Beijing Perusal, or
make any offer to any third party to transfer its equity interests, or make any promise as to any offer to purchase its equity
interests from any third party, or execute any agreement with any third party to transfer its equity interests;
There are no pending or potential disputes, litigation, arbitration, administrative proceedings or other legal proceedings in
connection with the equity interests in Beijing Perusal held by Party B; and
(8)
Beijing Perusal has completed all necessary governmental approvals, licenses, registrations and filings.
11.
Party B undertakes that during the term of this Agreement, it shall:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
not sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of its equity interests or other interests in Beijing Perusal, or to allow creation
of any other security interest thereupon without the prior written consent of Party A, except for the equity pledge or other
right created for the benefit of Party A;
not vote for, support or execute any shareholder resolutions at Beijing Perusal’s shareholder’s meetings permitting sale,
transfer, pledge or other disposal of any of its legal or beneficiary ownership of the equity interests in Beijing Perusal or
creation of any other security interest thereupon without the prior written consent of Party A, except for those made to Party
A or any of its nominees;
not vote for, support or execute any shareholder resolutions at Beijing Perusal’s shareholder meetings permitting Beijing
Perusal to merge or combine with, or acquire or invest in, any person without Party A’s prior written consent;
promptly inform Party A of any pending or threatened litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding relating to the
equity interests of Beijing Perusal;
execute all necessary or appropriate documents, take all necessary or appropriate actions and bring all necessary or
appropriate lawsuits or make all necessary and appropriate defenses against all claims in order to maintain its ownership of
equity interests in Beijing Perusal;
refrain from any act and/or omission that may materially affect the assets, business and liabilities of Beijing Perusal without
the prior written consent of Party A;
appoint any person nominated by Party A as executive director of Beijing Perusal, upon Party A’s request;
in connection with Party A’s exercise of the Call Option provided hereunder, transfer promptly and unconditionally all equity
interests in Beijing Perusal held by Party B to Party A and/or any of its nominees, to the extent and within the scope
permissible under the laws of the PRC;
(9)
not request Beijing Perusal to distribute dividends or profits to it;
(10)
upon transfer of its equity interests in Beijing Perusal to Party A or any of its nominees, pay the entire proceeds received by it
from transfer of the equity interests to Party A as repayment of the loan or otherwise to the extent permitted under the laws of
the PRC; and
(11)
strictly comply with the terms of this Agreement, perform the obligations under this Agreement, and refrain from any act or
omission that could affect the validity and enforceability of this Agreement.
12.
Party B undertakes that in its capacity of a shareholder of Beijing Perusal and during the term of this Agreement, it shall procure Beijing
Perusal:
3
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
not to supplement, amend or modify its articles of association, or increase or decrease its registered capital, or to change its
capital structure in any form without the prior written consent of Party A;
to maintain its existence and handle matters prudently and affectively in accordance with good financial and business rules
and practices;
not to sell, transfer, mortgage or otherwise dispose of, nor to permit the creation of any other security interest on, any of its
legal or beneficial interests in its assets, business or income without the prior written consent of Party A, at any time as of the
date of this Agreement;
not to incur, succeed, guarantee or permit the existence of any liabilities without the prior written consent of Party A, except
for any liabilities (i) arising from the ordinary or day-to-day course of business instead of through Party B; and (ii) disclosed
to Party A or approved by Party A in writing;
to operate all businesses on a continued basis and maintain the value of its assets;
not to execute any material contracts (for the purpose of this Section 12(6), a contract will be deemed material if its value
exceeds RMB500,000) without the prior written consent of Party A, other than those executed during the ordinary course of
business;
to provide all information regarding its operations and financial affairs at Party A’s request;
not to merge or combine with, acquire or invest in, any other person without the prior written consent of Party A;
not to distribute dividends to the shareholders without the prior written consent of Party A, and upon Party A’s request, to
promptly distribute all distributable profits to the shareholders.
to promptly inform Party A of any pending or threatened litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding relating to its
assets, business or revenue;
to execute all necessary or appropriate documents, take all necessary or appropriate actions and bring all necessary or
appropriate lawsuits or make all necessary and appropriate defenses against all claims in order to maintain its ownership of
its assets; and
to strictly comply with the terms of the Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement dated June 23, 2006 and
the Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Supplementary Agreement dated April 22, 2010, each by Beijing Perusal
and Party A (collectively, the “Service Agreement”) and other agreements, duly perform its obligations thereunder, and
refrain from any act or omission that could affect the validity and enforceability thereof.
13.
14.
15.
This Agreement is binding upon, and inures the benefit of, each of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.
Without prior written consent of Party A, Party B shall not transfer, pledge or otherwise assign any of its rights, interests or obligations
hereunder.
Party B agrees that Party A may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to a third party by a written notice to Party B when it considers
necessary. No further consent from Party B is required for such transfer.
Execution, validity, interpretation, performance, amendment, termination and dispute resolution of this Agreement are governed by the
laws of the PRC.
16.
Arbitration
(1)
Both Parties shall strive to resolve any dispute, conflicts, or claims arising from the interpretation or performance (including
any issue relating to the existence, validity and termination) of this Agreement through negotiations in good faith. If no
resolution is made within thirty (30) days after one Party requests for such resolution, either Party may submit such matter to
China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (the “CIETAC”) in accordance with its then-effect rules.
The arbitration award shall be final and conclusive and binding upon the Parties.
(2)
The place of the arbitration shall be Beijing.
4
(3)
The arbitration language shall be Chinese.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
This Agreement shall be made as of the date of its execution, and the Parties agree and confirm that the terms and conditions of this
Agreement will become effective from the date when Party B receives the loan and expire on the date when each Party has completed its
obligations hereunder.
Party B shall not terminate or revoke this Agreement under any circumstances unless (1) Party A is found with gross negligence, fraud, or
other material misconduct; or (2) Party A is in bankruptcy.
This Agreement shall not be amended or modified without the written consent of the Parties hereto. Any matters not agreed upon in this
Agreement may be supplemented by all Parties through the execution of a written agreement. The above amendments, modifications,
supplements and any attachment of this Agreement shall be integral parts of this Agreement.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreements of the Parties with respect to the transaction herein and supersedes all prior verbal
discussions and written agreements between the Parties.
This Agreement is severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any term shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder
of this Agreement.
Each Party shall strictly protect the confidentiality of any information regarding the other Party’s business, operation, financial situation or
other confidential information obtained under this Agreement or during the performance of this Agreement.
Any obligation that is accrued or becomes due prior to expiry or early termination of this Agreement shall survive such expiry or early
termination. Sections 15, 16, and 22 shall survive expiry or termination of this Agreement.
24.
This Agreement shall be executed in two originals, and each Party shall hold one thereof. Both originals shall have the same legal effect.
(No text below)
5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Party has executed or caused this Agreement to be executed by its legal or authorized representative on its behalf as
of the date first written above.
[Signature page only]
Party A:
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
(seal)
Signature: /s/ Shanshan Cui
Party B:
Shanshan
Cui
Signature: /s/ Shanshan Cui
6
Proxy Agreement
Exhibit 4.89
This Proxy Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of October 30, 2019 in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (“PRC,” for purposes of this
Agreement, excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) by and between:
Party A: Baidu, Inc., with registered address at M&C Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands;
And
Party B: Shanshan Cui, with ID No.
WHEREAS:
1.
2.
Party B is a citizen of the PRC and shareholder of Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing perusal”). As of the date hereof, Party B
holds 50% equity interests in Beijing Perusal (“Party B’s Equity”).
Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Party B agrees to authorize a PRC company or individual designated by
Party A to exercise its rights as a shareholder of Beijing Perusal on its behalf, and Party A agrees to accept such authorization.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Party B hereby agrees to irrevocably authorize any entity or individual designated by Party A to exercise on its behalf all of the voting and other
rights as a shareholder empowered by the law and Beijing Perusal’s articles of association at the shareholders’ meeting of Beijing Perusal,
including without limitation any right regarding sale, transfer, pledge or disposal of all or part of Party B’s equity interests in Beijing perusal; and
designating and electing the executive director of Beijing Perusal as an authorized representative of the shareholders of Beijing Perusal at the
shareholders’ meeting.
Party A agrees to designate any entity or individual permitted under applicable laws to accept the authorization of Party B under Article 1 hereof,
and such entity or individual shall exercise Party B’s voting and other rights as a shareholder on behalf of Party B under this Agreement. As of the
date hereof, Party A hereby designates Shanshan Cui as the authorized individual to exercise voting and other rights as a shareholder on behalf of
Party B under this Agreement. For avoidance of any doubt, Party A shall have the discretion to replace any entity or individual designated by it or
designate any other entity or individual to exercise such voting and other rights on behalf of Party B.
Party B hereby acknowledges that, regardless of any change of its equity interests in Beijing Perusal, any entity or individual designated by Party
A shall be authorized to exercise all of the voting and other rights as a shareholder on behalf of Party B. If Party B transfers its equity interests in
Beijing Perusal to any individual or entity other than Party A or any individual or entity designated by Party A (the “Transferee”), it shall procure
and ensure that the Transferee shall authorize any individual or entity designated by Party A to exercise voting and any other rights as a
shareholder on its behalf by entering into an agreement which form and content are similar to those of this Agreement in conjunction with its
signing any equity transfer agreement.
Party B hereby acknowledges that if Party A withdraws its designation of the authorized entity or individual, it shall immediately withdraw its
authorization to such entity or individual, and authorize any other entity or individual designated by Party A to exercise all of its voting and other
rights as a shareholder at the shareholders’ meeting of Beijing Perusal.
This Agreement shall be effective upon execution by the Parties or their respective legal or authorized representatives as of the date first written
above.
This Agreement shall remain permanently valid unless otherwise expressly provided hereunder or terminated by Party A in writing. If any Party’s
operating term expires during the term of this Agreement, such Party shall timely renew its operating term to enable this Agreement to be
continually valid and implementable. If any Party’s application to renew its operating term fails to obtain approval or consent from competent
authority, this Agreement shall terminate upon the end of such Party’s operating term, unless such Party has transferred its rights and obligations
pursuant to Article 10 hereof.
7.
8.
9.
This Agreement shall remain valid as long as Party B is a holder of any equity interest in Beijing Perusal. During the term of this Agreement,
unless otherwise required by law, Party B may not cancel, early terminate or end this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Party A shall
have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time with a written notice to Party B no less than thirty (30) days in advance.
No amendment to this Agreement shall be made unless by agreement of the Parties in writing. Any duly executed amendment or supplement
hereto by the Parties is an integral part of, and shall have the same binding effect with, this Agreement.
Should any provision hereof be held invalid or unenforceable due to its inconsistency with any applicable law, such provision shall be deemed
invalid only to the extent governed by such law without affecting the validity of the remainder hereof.
10. All notices or other correspondences required to be sent by any Party hereunder shall be made in Chinese and delivered to the following addresses
of the other Party or any other address designated and notified to such Party from time to time by hand, mail or fax. The notices shall be deemed to
have been duly served (a) on the day of delivery if it is sent by hand, (b) on the tenth (10th) day after it is sent by post-prepaid registered airmail
(with marking of the mailing day on the postmark), or on the fourth (4th) day after the notice is handed to an internationally recognized express
delivery service; (c) at the time of receipt shown on the transmission acknowledgement if it is sent by fax; and (d) on the day of successful
delivery if it is delivered by electronic mail evidenced by the confirmation generated from the mail delivery system or without receipt of delivery
failure or return message from the mail delivery system within 24 hours.
Party A: Baidu, Inc.
Address: M&C Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman,
KY1-1104, Cayman Islands
Attention: Yanhong Li
Fax:
Tel:
Party B:
Shanshan Cui
Address:
Fax:
Tel:
11. Unless with Party A’s prior written consent, Party B shall not transfer its rights and obligations hereunder to any third party. Party B hereby agrees
that Party A may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement at its own discretion provided that Party A is required to give a written
notice to such effect to Party B, and no further consent of Party B is required thereof.
12. Both Parties acknowledge and confirm that any oral or written information exchanged between the Parties in connection with this Agreement are
confidential, and both Parties shall keep all such information confidential and not disclose any such information to any third person, except for the
information which: (a) is known or will be known by the public (not resulting from unauthorized disclosure by the Party receiving such
information); (b) is required to be disclosed by applicable laws or rules or regulations of a stock exchange; or (c) needs to be disclosed to a Party’s
legal or financial advisor in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby, provided that such advisor shall be subject to confidential
obligations similar to those provided in this Article. Disclosure by any employee of or entity engaged by any Party shall be deemed disclosure by
such Party, and such disclosing Party shall be held liable for breach of this Agreement. This Article shall survive any invalidity, amendment,
termination, dissolution or unenforceability of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever.
13.
(1)
(2)
The formation, validity, interpretation, performance, amendment and termination of and resolution of any dispute under this Agreement
shall be governed by the laws of the PRC.
Any dispute arising in connection with the interpretation and performance of the provisions of this Agreement shall first be resolved by the
Parties in good faith through negotiations. If negotiations fail, any Party may submit such dispute to China International Economic and
Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in accordance with its arbitration rules then in effect. The arbitration shall be held in Beijing
and the arbitration language shall be Chinese. The arbitral award shall be final and binding upon both Parties.
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14.
This Agreement, once becoming effective, constitutes the entire agreements and understandings between the Parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof, and supersedes in their entirety all prior oral and written agreements and understandings between the Parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof.
15.
This Agreement shall be executed in two originals, and each Party shall hold one thereof. Both originals shall have the same legal effect.
(No text below)
3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Party has executed or caused this Agreement to be executed by its legal or authorized representative on its behalf as
of the date first written above.
(Signature page)
Party A:
Baidu, Inc.
Signature:
Title:
/s/ Yanhong Li
Director
Party B:
Shanshan
Cui
Signature:
/s/ Shanshan Cui
4
Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement
Exhibit 4.90
This Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into by and among the following parties in Beijing, PRC
on October 30, 2019:
Party A:
Address:
Cayman Islands
Baidu, Inc.
M&C Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104,
Party B:
Address:
Party C:
ID No.:
Party D:
Address:
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Baidu Building, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing
Shanshan Cui
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
A2 2/F No. 17 Building Zhongguancun Software Park, 8 East Bei Wang Road (W),
Haidian District, Beijing
In this Agreement, Party A, Party B, Party C and Party D are called collectively as the “Parties” and each of them is a “Party.”
WHEREAS:
1. Party A is a Cayman Islands company incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands and an affiliate of Party B;
2. Party B is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise incorporated under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”);
3. Party D is a liability limited company incorporated in Beijing, the PRC;
4. Party C is a shareholder of Party D, owning 50% equity interests in Party D (the “Equity Interest”);
5. Party B and Party C entered into a Loan Agreement dated October 30, 2019, whereby Party C obtains a loan up to RMB1,598,440,000 from Party B
in connection with its acquiring 50% equity interests in Party D;
6. Party B and Party D entered into a series of agreement dated June 23, 2006, including the Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement
(the “Services Agreements”), whereby Party B provides exclusive technology consulting and services to Party D; and
7. Party B and Party C entered into an Equity Pledge Agreement (the “Equity Pledge Agreement”) dated October 30, 2019, whereby Party C transfers
all of the Equity Interest to Party B; and
8. Party A and Party C entered into a Proxy Agreement dated October 30, 2019 (the “Proxy Agreement”), whereby Party C authorizes the entity or
individual designated by Party A to exercise all voting and other rights of Party C as a shareholder at the shareholders meeting of Party D.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows through negotiations and to be bound hereby:
1. Purchase and Sale of Equity Interest
1.1 Granting of Rights
Party C hereby irrevocably grants to Party A an option to purchase or cause any one or more designated persons (“Designated Persons”) to purchase, to
the extent permitted under PRC law, according to the steps determined by Party A, at the price specified in Section 1.3 of this Agreement, and at any
time from Party C (the “Transferor”), a portion or all of the equity interests held by Party C in Party D (the “Option”). No Option shall be granted to
any third party other than Party A and/or the Designated Persons. Party D hereby agrees to granting of the Option by Party C to Party A and/or the
Designated Persons. For purpose of this Section 1.1 and this Agreement, “person” means any individual, corporation, joint venture, partnership,
enterprise, trust or unincorporated organization.
1.2 Exercise Steps
Subject to PRC law and regulations, Party A and/or the Designated Persons may exercise the Option by issuing a written notice (the “Option Notice”)
to the Transferor, specifying the equity interest to be purchased from the Transferor (the “Purchased Equity Interest”) and the manner of such
purchase.
1.3 Purchase Price
1.3.1 If Party A exercises the Option, the purchase price of the Purchased Equity Interest (“Purchase Price”) shall be equal to the actual paid-in capital
paid by the Transferor for the Purchased Equity Interest, unless then applicable PRC laws and regulations require appraisal of the Purchased Equity
Interest or other restrictions on the Purchase price.
1.3.2 If the applicable PRC laws require appraisal of the Purchased Equity Interest or other restrictions on the Purchase Price at the time that Party A
exercises the Option, the Parties agree that the Purchase Price shall be set at the lowest price permissible under applicable law.
1.4 Transfer of the Purchased Equity Interest
At each exercise of the Option:
1.4.1 The Transferor shall, in accordance the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Option Notice in connection with the Purchased Equity
Interest, enter into an equity transfer agreement with Party A and/or the Designated Persons (as applicable) for each transfer in the substance and form
satisfactory to Party A;
1.4.2 The Transferor shall execute all other requisite contracts, agreements or documents, obtain all requisite government approvals and consents, and
take all necessary actions to unconditionally transfer the valid ownership of the Purchased Equity Interest to Party A and/or the Designated Persons free
of any security interest, and cause Party A and/or the Designated Persons to be the registered owner(s) of the Purchased Equity Interest. For purpose of
this Section 1.4.2 and this Agreement, “Security Interest” includes without limitation guaranty, mortgage, pledge, third-party right or interest, any share
option, right of acquisition, right of first refusal, right of set-off, ownership retention or other security arrangements; provided, however, that it does not
include any security interest arising under the Equity Pledge Agreement.
1.5 Payment
Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made in the manner determined through negotiations between Party A and/or the Designated Persons and the
Transferor in accordance with then applicable laws at the exercise of the Option. The Parties hereby agree that, Transferor shall repay to Party B any
amount that is paid by Party A and/or the Designated Persons to the Transferor in connection with the Purchased Equity Interest pursuant to the Loan
Agreement.
2. Covenants Relating to the Equity Interest
2.1 Covenants Relating to Party D
Party C and Party D hereby covenant, in relation to Party D:
2.1.1 Not to supplement, amend or modify Party D’s articles of association in any way, or to increase or decrease its registered capital, or to change its
registered capital structure in any way without Party A’s prior written consent;
2.1.2 To maintain the corporate existence of Party D and operate its business and deal with matters prudently and effectively according to good financial
and business rules and practices;
2.1.3 Not to sell, transfer, mortgage or otherwise dispose of, or permit any other security interest to be created on, any of Party D’s assets, business or
legal or beneficial interests in its revenue at any time after the signing of this Agreement without Party A’s prior written consent;
2.1.4 Not to incur, succeed to, guarantee or permit the existence of any liability, without Party A’s prior written consent, except (i) liabilities arising from
the normal course of business, but not arising from loans; and (ii) liabilities disclosed to Party A and approved by Party A in writing;
2.1.5 To operate persistently all the business in the normal course of business to maintain the value of Party D’s assets, and not to commit any act or
omission that would affect its operations and asset value;
2
2.1.6 Without prior written consent by Party A, not to enter into any material agreement, other than agreements entered into in Party D’s normal course
of business (for purpose of this paragraph, an agreement will be deemed material if its value exceeds RMB500,000);
2.1.7 Not to provide loans or credit to any person without Party A’s prior written consent;
2.1.8 To provide all information relating to Party D’s operations and financial conditions upon the request of Party A;
2.1.9 To purchase and maintain insurance from insurance companies accepted by Party A. The amount and category of the insurance shall be the same
as those of the insurance normally procured by companies engaged in similar businesses and possessing similar properties or assets in the area where
Party D is located;
2.1.10 Not to merge or consolidate with, or acquire or invest in, any person without Party A’s prior written consent;
2.1.11 To promptly notify Party A of any pending or threatened suit, arbitration or administrative proceedings concerning Party D’s assets, business or
revenue;
2.1.12 To execute all necessary or appropriate documents, take all necessary or appropriate actions and to bring all necessary or appropriate claims or to
make all necessary and appropriate defenses against all claims in order for Party D to maintain the ownership over all its assets;
2.1.13 Not to distribute dividends to Party D’s shareholders in any way without Party A’s prior written consent; provided, however, that Party D shall
promptly distribute all or part of its distributable profits to its shareholders upon Party A’s request; and
2.1.14 At the request of Party A, to appoint persons nominated by Party A to be executive directors of Party D.
2.2 Covenants Relating to the Transferor
Party C hereby covenants:
2.2.1 Not to sell, transfer, mortgage or otherwise dispose of, or allow any other security interest to be created on, the legal or beneficial interest in the
Equity Interest at any time after the signing of this Agreement without Party A’s prior written consent, other than the pledge created on the Transferor’s
Equity Interest in accordance with the Equity Pledge Agreement;
2.2.2 Without Party A’s prior written consent, not to vote for or sign any shareholders’ resolution at Party D’s shareholders’ meetings to approve the sale,
transfer, mortgage or disposition in any other manner of, or the creation of any other security interest on, any legal or beneficial interest in the Equity
Interest, except to or for the benefit of Party A or its designated persons;
2.2.3 Without Party A’s prior written consent, not to vote for or sign any shareholders’ resolution at Party D’s shareholders’ meetings to approve Party
D’s merger or consolidation with, acquisition of or investment in, any person;
2.2.4 To promptly notify Party A of any pending or threatened suit, arbitration or administrative proceedings concerning the Equity Interest owned by it;
2.2.5 To execute all necessary or appropriate documents, to take all necessary or appropriate actions and to bring all necessary or appropriate claims or
to make all necessary and appropriate defenses against all claims in order to maintain his ownership over the Equity Interest;
2.2.6 At the request of Party A, to appoint persons nominated by Party A to be executive directors of Party D;
2.2.7 At any time upon the request of Party A, to transfer its Equity Interest immediately and unconditionally to the representative designated by Party
A, and waive its preemptive right with respect to the transfer of equity interest by the other shareholder of Party D;
2.2.8 To fully comply with the provisions of this Agreement and the other agreements entered into jointly or respectively by and among the Transferor,
Party D and Party A, perform all obligations under these agreements and not commit any act or omission that would affect the validity and
enforceability of these agreements; and
2.2.9 To transfer to Party A all dividends and any other form of profit distributed to it by Party D.
2.3 Covenants Relating to Party A
Party A hereby covenants:
2.3.1 If Party D needs any loan or other capital support in its business, under acceptable and reasonable scope, Party A shall provide such capital support
without imposing any condition or restriction; and
3
2.3.2 If Party D cannot repay the loan from Party A as loss incurred and has sufficient evidence to prove, Party A agrees that it will unconditionally give
up its right to require Party D to repay the loan.
3. Representations and Warranties
As of the date of this Agreement and each transfer date, each of the Transferor and Party D hereby represents and warrants to Party A as follows:
3.1 It has the power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, and any equity transfer agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”) to which it is a
party for each transfer of the Purchased Equity under this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement and any Transfer Agreement.
Once executed, this Agreement and any Transfer Agreement to which it is party will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of it enforceable
against it in accordance with its terms;
3.2 The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or any Transfer Agreement by it will not: (i) violate any relevant PRC laws and
regulations; (ii) conflict with its articles of association or other organizational documents; (iii) violate or constitute a default under any contract or
instrument to which it is party or that binds upon it; (iv) violate any condition for the grant and/or continued effectiveness of any permit or approval
granted to it; or (v) cause any permit or approval granted to it to be suspended, cancelled or attached with additional conditions;
3.3 Party D has good and marketable ownership of all of its assets and has not created any security interest on the said assets;
3.4 Party D has no outstanding liabilities, except (i) liabilities arising in its normal course of business; and (ii) liabilities disclosed to Party A and
approved by Party A in writing;
3.5 There are currently no existing, pending or threatened litigations, arbitrations or administrative proceedings related to the Equity Interest, Party D’s
assets or Party D; and
3.6 The Transferor has good and marketable ownership interest in the Equity Interest and has not created any security interest on such Equity Interest,
other than the security interest pursuant to the Equity Pledge Agreement and the restrictions provided under the Proxy Agreement and hereunder.
4. Assignment of Agreement
4.1 Neither Party C or Party D may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any third party without the prior written consent of Party A.
4.2 Party C and Party D hereby agree that Party A may assign all its rights and obligation under this Agreement to a third party as Party A sees fit, in
which case Party A only needs to give a written notice to Party C and Party D and no further consent of Party C or Party D is required.
5. Effectiveness and Term
5.1 This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first set forth above and expire when all Equity Interest held by Party B is transferred to Party A
and/or Designated Persons in accordance with this Agreement.
5.2 If the duration of operation (including any extension thereof) of Party A or Party D is expired or terminated for other reasons within the term set
forth in Section 5.1, this Agreement shall be terminated simultaneously, except in the situation where Party A has assigned its rights and obligations in
accordance with Section 4.2 hereof.
6. Applicable Law and Dispute Resolution
6.1 Applicable Law
The formation, validity, interpretation and performance of and resolution of any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be protected and governed by
the laws of the PRC.
4
6.2 Dispute Resolution
Any dispute arising in connection with the interpretation and performance of the provisions of this Agreement shall be resolved by the Parties in good
faith through negotiations. In case no resolution can be reached by the Parties within thirty (30) days after either party makes a request for dispute
resolution through negotiations, either party may refer such dispute to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (“CIETAC”)
for arbitration in accordance with CIETAC’s arbitration rules then in effect. The seat of arbitration shall be Beijing and language of proceedings shall be
Chinese. The arbitral award shall be final and binding upon the Parties.
7. Taxes and Expenses
Every Party shall, in accordance with PRC laws, bear any and all transfer and registration taxes, expenses and charges incurred by or levied on it with
respect to the preparation and execution of this Agreement and each Transfer Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated under
this Agreement and each Transfer Agreement.
8. Notices
Any notice or other communication forms which is given by the parties hereto shall be in Chinese and delivered personally to the addresses listed as
below or the addresses designated by the Parties. The notice time which is deemed as the time when the notice actually reaches the addressee follows:
(a) the notice time of the notice delivered personally shall be the day when the person conducts the delivery; (b) the notice time of the notice delivered
as mail shall be the tenth (10th) day following the mailing date of the registered mail by air (marked by seal) or shall be the fourth (4th) day following
the day handing to internally recognized delivery services organizations; (c) the notice time of the notice delivered by facsimile shall be the acceptance
time on the delivery confirmation; and (d) on the day of successful delivery if it is delivered by electronic mail evidenced by the confirmation generated
from the mail delivery system or without receipt of delivery failure or return message from the mail delivery system within 24 hours.
Party A:
Address:
Attention:
Facsimile:
Telephone:
Party B:
Address:
Attention:
Facsimile:
Telephone:
Party C:
Address:
Facsimile:
Telephone:
Party C:
Address:
Attention:
Facsimile:
Telephone:
Baidu, Inc.
M&C Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104,
Cayman Islands
Yanhong Li
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
3/F, Baidu Building, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing
Shanshan Cui
Shanshan Cui
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
A2 2/F No. 17 Building Zhongguancun Software Park, 8 East Bei Wang Road
(W), Haidian District, Beijing
Shanshan Cui
5
9. Confidentiality
The Parties acknowledge and confirm any oral or written materials exchanged by the Parties in connection with this Agreement are confidential. The
Parties shall maintain the confidentiality of all such materials. Without the written approval by the other Parties, any Party shall not disclose to any third
party any relevant materials, but the following circumstances shall be excluded:
a.
b.
c.
Materials that are or will become known by the public (through no fault of the receiving party);
Materials required to be disclosed by the applicable laws or rules of the stock exchange; and
Materials disclosed by each Party to its legal or financial advisors relating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and such legal
or financial advisors shall comply with the confidentiality provisions similar to this article.
The disclosure of information by the staff or consultants of any party shall be deemed as disclosure by the party itself. This Article 9 shall survive any
invalidity, termination, expiration or unenforceability of this Agreement.
10. Further Assurances
The Parties agree to promptly execute documents and take further actions that are reasonably required for, or beneficial to, the purpose of performing the
provisions and carrying out the intent of this Agreement.
11. Breach Liabilities
11.1 Party A shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and/or hold Party C or Party D liable for any damages if Party C or Party D is in material
breach of any provision under this Agreement. This Section 11.1 shall not be prejudicial to any other right of Party A under this Agreement.
11.2 Unless otherwise legally required, neither Party C or Party D may terminate or otherwise end this Agreement under any circumstance.
12. Miscellaneous
12.1 Amendment, Modification or Supplement
Any amendment or supplement to this Agreement shall be made by the Parties in writing. The amendments or supplements duly executed by each Party
shall be deemed as a part of this Agreement and shall have the same legal effect as this Agreement.
12.2 Entire Agreement
Notwithstanding Article 5 of this Agreement, the Parties acknowledge that once this Agreement becomes effective, it shall constitute the entire
agreements of the Parties with respect to the subject matters hereof and shall supersede all prior oral and/or written agreements and understandings by
the Parties with respect to the subject matters hereof.
12.3 Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is judged to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect according to any applicable law or regulation, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected or impaired in any way. The Parties shall, through good-faith
negotiations, replace those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions that may bring about economic effects as similar as possible
to those from such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.
12.4 Headings
The headings contained in this Agreement are for the convenience of reference only and shall not be used for the interpretation or explanation or
otherwise affect the meaning of the provisions of this Agreement.
12.5 Language and counterparts
This Agreement is executed in Chinese in four originals; each Party holds one original and each original has the same legal effect.
12.6 Successor
This Agreement shall bind upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of each Party.
6
12.7 Survival
Any obligation arising from or becoming due under this Agreement before its expiration or premature termination shall survive such expiration or early
termination. Articles 6, 8 and 9 and this Section 12.7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
12.8 Waiver
Any Party may waive the terms and conditions of this Agreement by a written instrument signed by the Parties. Any waiver by a Party to a breach by the
other Parties in a specific situation shall not be construed as a waiver to any similar breach by the other Parties in other situations.
(No text below)
7
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Party has executed or caused this Agreement to be executed by its legal or authorized representative on its behalf as
of the date first written above.
(Signature page)
Party A:
Baidu, Inc.
Signature:
Title:
/s/ Yanhong Li
Director
Party B:
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
(seal)
Signature:
Title:
/s/ Shanshan Cui
Legal Representative
Party C:
Shanshan Cui
Signature:
/s/ Shanshan Cui
Party D:
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. (seal)
Signature:
Title:
/s/ Shanshan Cui
Legal Representative
8
This Equity Pledge Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of October 30, 2019 in Beijing, PRC by and between:
EQUITY PLEDGE AGREEMENT
Pledgee:
Party A:
Registered Address:
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Baidu Building, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing;
Exhibit 4.91
And
Pledgor:
Party B:
ID No.
Address:
WHEREAS:
Shanshan Cui
1. Party A is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise registered in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”).
2. Party B is a citizen of the PRC holding 50.0% equity interests in Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Perusal”), a limited liability company
registered in Beijing, the PRC.
3. Party A and Party B entered into a Loan Agreement dated October 30, 2019 (the “Loan Agreement”), whereby Party B obtains a loan (the “Loan
Arrangement”) up to a total amount of RMB1,598,440,000 (the “Loan”).
4. Party A and Beijing Perusal entered into an Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement dated June 23, 2006 (the “Services
Agreement”) with permanent term, pursuant to which Beijing Perusal shall pay Party A technical consulting and services fees (the “Service Fees”) for
the technology consulting and services provided by Party A.
5. In order to ensure that Party B will perform its obligations under the Loan Agreement and Party A will be able to collect the Service Fees from
Beijing Perusal, Party B agrees to pledge its equity interests in Beijing Perusal (i.e., a registered capital equal to RMB1,580,000,000) as security for the
Loan (i.e., RMB1,598,440,000) and other obligations under the Loan Arrangement and the Service Agreement. Party A and Party B intend to enter into
this Agreement to specify their respective rights and obligations in respect of such pledge.
NOW THEREFORE, the Pledgee and the Pledgor agree as follows through negotiations:
1. Definitions
Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1.1 “Pledge”: refers to the full content of Article 2 hereunder.
1.2 “Equity Interests”: refers to all of the equity interests in Beijing Perusal legally held by the Pledgor (for purpose of this Agreement, the Equity
Interests pledged herein means the registered capital equal to RMB1,580,000,000).
1.3 “Ratio of Pledge”: refers to the proportion of the value of the Pledge under this Agreement to the total amount of the Service Fees and the Loan.
1.4 “Term of Pledge”: refers to the period provided for under Article 3.2 hereunder.
1.5 “Principal Agreement”: refers to the Services Agreements and the agreements under the Loan Arrangement.
1.6 “Event of Default”: refers to any event listed in Article 7.1 hereunder.
1.7 “Notice of Default”: refers to the notice of default issued by the Pledgee in accordance with this Agreement.
2. Pledge
The Pledgor will pledge all of his Equity Interests in Beijing Perusal (i.e., a registered capital equal to RMB1,580,000,000) to the Pledgee as security for
(i) all his obligations under the Loan Arrangement (i.e., RMB1,598,440,000) and (ii) all obligations of Beijing Perusal under the Services Agreement
(the “Secured Obligations”). “Pledge” refers to the priority entitled to the Pledgee in receiving proceeds from disposal of all or part of the Equity
Interests at a discounted value, or auction or sale of the Equity Interests pledged hereunder.
3. Ratio of Pledge and Term of Pledge
3.1 Ratio of the Pledge
The Ratio of the Pledge shall be approximately 100%.
3.2 Term of the Pledge
3.2.1 The Pledge shall take effect as of the date when the pledge of the Equity Interest is recorded in the Register of Shareholders of Beijing Perusal and
registered with the competent industrial and commercial authority, and shall remain in effect until two (2) years after all Secured Obligations under the
Principal Agreement have been fulfilled.
3.2.2 During the term of the Pledge, the Pledgee shall be entitled to dispose of the Pledge in accordance with this Agreement in the event that the
Pledgor fails to perform his obligations under the Loan Arrangement or Beijing Perusal fails perform its obligations under the Services Agreement.
4. Possession of Pledge Documents
4.1 During the Term of Pledge under this Agreement, the Pledgor shall deliver its capital contribution certificate and the register of shareholders of
Beijing Perusal to the possession of the Pledgee within one (1) week from the date of this Agreement.
4.2 The Pledgee shall be entitled to receiving dividends arising from the Equity Interests.
4.3 The Pledge under this Agreement will be recorded in the Register of Shareholders of Beijing Perusal (See Appendix I) after the date of this
Agreement.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Pledgor
5.1 The Pledgor is the legal owner of the Equity Interests and has approved the Pledge with resolutions adopted at its shareholders meeting (See
Appendix II).
5.2 Except for the benefit of the Pledgee, no other pledge or security has been created upon the Equity Interests.
6. Covenants of the Pledgor
6.1 During the term of this Agreement, the Pledgor covenants for its benefits of the Pledgee that the Pledgor shall:
6.1.1 not transfer or assign the Equity Interests, create or permit creation of any other pledge which could affect the rights or benefits of the Pledgee
without prior written consent of the Pledgee;
6.1.2 comply with and implement the laws and regulations with respect to the pledge of rights; present to the Pledgee the notices, orders or suggestions
with respect to the Pledge issued or made by relevant government authorities within five (5) days upon receiving such notices, orders or suggestions;
comply with such notices, orders or suggestions or, alternatively, at the reasonable request of the Pledgee or with consent from the Pledgee, raise
objection to such notices, orders or suggestions; and
6.1.3 timely notify the Pledgee of any event or any notice to its knowledge which may affect the Pledgor’s right to all or any part of the Equity Interests,
and any event or any notice to its knowledge which may change the Pledgor’s warranties and obligations under this Agreement or affect the Pledgor’s
performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
2
6.2 The Pledgor agrees that the Pledgee’s right to the Pledge under this Agreement shall not be disrupted or prejudiced by any legal proceeding initiated
by the Pledgor or any successor of the Pledgor or any person authorized by the Pledgor or any other person.
6.3 The Pledgor promises to the Pledgee that in order to protect or perfect the security for the payment of the Loan and the Services Fees, the Pledgor
shall execute in good faith and cause other parties who have interests in the Pledge to execute, all title certificates and contracts and/or to perform any
other actions (and cause other parties who have interests to take action) as required by the Pledgee and facilitate the exercise of the rights and
authorization vested in the Pledgee under this Agreement.
6.4 The Pledgor promises to the Pledgee that he will execute all amendment (if applicable and necessary) in connection with the certificate of the Equity
Interests with the Pledgee or its designated person (being a natural person or a legal entity) and, within a reasonable period, provide to the Pledgee all
notices, orders and decisions about the Pledge as the Pledgee deems necessary.
6.5 The Pledgor promises to the Pledgee that he will comply with and perform all the guarantees, covenants, warranties, representations and conditions
for the benefit of the Pledgee. The Pledgor shall indemnify the Pledgee for all losses suffered by the Pledgee due to the Pledgor’s failure to perform in
whole or in part its guarantees, covenants, warranties, representations and conditions.
6.6 During the term of this Agreement, the Pledgor will not make any action/omission which may affect the value of the Equity Interests so as to
maintain or increase the value. The Pledgor shall timely notify the Pledgee of any event which may decrease the value of the Equity Interests or affect
the Pledgor’s performance of the obligations under this Agreement, and shall provide assets acceptable to the Pledgee as guarantee for the decreased
value of the Equity Interests upon the Pledgee’s request.
6.7 To the extent permitted under applicable laws or regulations, the Pledgor shall make best efforts to cooperate with all the registration, filing or other
procedures relating to the Pledge as required by relevant laws and regulations.
7. Event of Default
7.1 Each of the following events shall be regarded as an Event of Default:
7.1.1 Pledgor fails to perform its obligations under the Loan Arrangement, including without limitation the obligation to repay the Loan of
RMB1,598,440,000 under the Loan Agreement;
7.1.2 Beijing Perusal fails to make due and full payment of the Services Fees or perform other obligations under the Services Agreement;
7.1.3 Any representation or warranty made by the Pledgor in Article 5 hereof is materially misleading or erroneous, and/or the Pledgor breaches any
warranty in Article 5 hereof;
7.1.4 The Pledgor breaches any covenant under Article 6 hereof;
7.1.5 The Pledgor breaches any other provision of this Agreement;
7.1.6 The Pledgor waives the pledged Equity Interests or transfers or assigns the pledged Equity Interests without prior written consent from the
Pledgee;
7.1.7 Any of the Pledgor’s external loans, guaranties, compensations, undertakings or other obligations (1) is accelerated for repayment due to any
default; or (2) fails to be duly repaid or performed and makes the Pledgee believe that the Pledgor’s ability to perform the obligations hereunder has
been affected;
7.1.8 Beijing Perusal is incapable of repaying its general debts or other debts;
7.1.9 This Agreement becomes illegal or the Pledgor is not capable of continuing to perform the obligations hereunder due to any reason other than a
Force Majeure event;
7.1.10 There have been adverse change to the properties owned by the Pledgor, causing the Pledgee to believe that the capability of the Pledgor to
perform the obligations hereunder has been affected;
7.1.11 The successor or receiver of Beijing Perusal only partially performs or refuses to perform the payment obligation under the Services Agreement;
and
7.1.12 The breach of the other provisions of this Agreement by the Pledgor due to its action or omission.
7.2 The Pledgor shall immediately give a written notice to the Pledgee if it becomes knowledge of the Pledgor that any event specified under Article 7.1
hereof or any event that may result in the foregoing events has occurred.
3
7.3 Unless an event of default under Article 7.1 hereof has been resolved to the Pledgee’s satisfaction, the Pledgee, at any time when the event of default
occurs thereafter, may give a written Notice of Default to the Pledgor, requiring the Pledgor to immediately make full payment of the outstanding
amount under the Loan Arrangement or under the Services Agreement or requesting to exercise the Pledge in accordance with Article 8 hereof.
8. Exercise of the Pledge
8.1 The Pledgor shall not transfer or assign the Equity Interest without prior written consent from the Pledgee prior to the full performance of his
obligations under the Loan Arrangement and supplementary agreement and full payment of all Service Fees under the Services Agreement, whichever is
later.
8.2 The Pledgee shall give a Notice of Default to the Pledgor when the Pledgee exercises the Pledge.
8.3 Subject to Article 7.3, the Pledgee may exercise the Pledge when the Pledgee gives a Notice of Default in accordance with Article 7.3 or at any time
thereafter.
8.4 The Pledgee is entitled to priority in receiving payment in the form of all or part of the Equity Interest at a discounted value, or from the proceeds
from the auction or sale of all or part of the Equity Interest in accordance with legal procedure, until the outstanding debt and all other payables of the
Pledgor under Loan Arrangement and Services Agreement are repaid.
8.5 The Pledgor shall not hinder the Pledgee from exercising the Pledge in accordance with this Agreement and shall give necessary assistance so that
the Pledgee could fully exercise its Pledge.
9. Assignment
9.1 The Pledgor shall not assign or transfer its rights and obligations hereunder without prior consent from the Pledgee.
9.2 This Agreement shall be binding upon the Pledgor and his successors and be binding on the Pledgee and each of its successors and permitted
assigns.
9.3 To the extent permitted by law, the Pledgee may transfer or assign any or all of its rights and obligations under the Loan Arrangement and
supplementary agreements to any person (natural person or legal entity) designated by it at any time. In that case, the assignee shall have the same rights
and obligations as those of the Pledgee as if the assignee were an original party hereto. When the Pledgee transfers or assigns the rights and obligations
under the Services Agreement, Loan Arrangement and supplementary agreements, it is only required to provide a written notice to the Pledgor, and at
the request of the Pledgee, the Pledgor shall execute the relevant agreements and/or documents with respect to such transfer or assignment.
9.4 After the Pledgee has been changed as a result of a transfer or an assignment, the new parties to the Pledge shall execute a new pledge contract.
10. Effectiveness and Term
This Agreement is executed on the date first set forth above and becomes effective from the date when the pledge is recorded on Beijing Perusal’s
Register of Shareholders.
11. Termination
This Agreement shall terminate when the loan under the Loan Arrangement and the Services Fees under the Services Agreement have been fully repaid
and the Pledgor no longer has any outstanding obligations under the Loan Arrangement and Beijing Perusal no longer has any outstanding obligations
under the Services Agreement. The Pledgee shall cancel or terminate this Agreement as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, .
12. Fees and Other Charges
12.1 The Pledgor shall be responsible for all of the fees and actual expenses in relation to this Agreement including, but not limited to, legal fees,
production costs, stamp tax and any other taxes and charges. If the Pledgee pays the relevant taxes in accordance with the laws, the Pledgor shall fully
indemnify the Pledgee for such taxes paid by the Pledgee.
4
12.2 In the event that the Pledgee has to make a claim against the Pledgor by any means as a result of the Pledgor’s failure to pay any tax or expense
payable by the Pledgor under this Agreement, the Pledgor shall be responsible for all the expenses arising from such claim (including but not limited to
any taxes, handling fees, management fees, litigation fees, attorney’s fees, and various insurance premiums in connection with the disposition of the
Pledge).
13. Force Majeure
13.1 A Force Majeure event refers to any unforeseen event that is beyond a party’s reasonable control and cannot be prevented with reasonable care,
which includes but is not limited to acts of governments, changes of law, acts of God, fires, explosions, typhoons, floods, earthquake, tides, lightning or
war; provided, however, that any insufficiency of creditworthiness, capital or financing shall not be regarded as an event beyond a party’s reasonable
control. The affected party by Force Majeure shall promptly notify the other party of such event resulting in exemption.
13.2 In the event that the affected party is delayed or prevented from performing its obligations under this Agreement by Force Majeure, and only to the
extent of such delay and prevention, the affected party shall not be liable for obligations under this Agreement. The affected party shall take appropriate
measures to minimize or remove the effects of Force Majeure and attempt to resume performance of the obligations that were delayed or prevented by
the event of Force Majeure. After the event of Force Majeure is removed, both Parties agree to resume the performance of this Agreement using their
best efforts.
14. Confidentiality
The Parties acknowledge and confirm that all the oral and written materials exchanged relating to this Agreement are confidential. Each party must keep
such materials confidential and cannot disclose such materials to any other third party without the other party’s prior written approval, unless: (a) the
public knows or will know the materials (not due of the disclosure by the receiving party); (b) the disclosed materials are required by law or stock
exchange rules to be disclosed; or (c) materials relating to the transactions under this Agreement are disclosed to the Parties’ legal or financial advisors,
who must keep them confidential as well. Disclosure of the confidential information by employees or institutions hired by the Parties is deemed as an
act by the Parties, therefore, subjecting them to liability.
15. Dispute Resolution
15.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with PRC law.
15.2 The Parties shall strive to resolve any dispute arising from the interpretation or performance of this Agreement through negotiations in good faith.
If the negotiations fail, either Party may submit such matter to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (“CIETAC”) for
arbitration in accordance with its rules then in effect. The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in Chinese and shall take place in Beijing, PRC.
The arbitral award shall be final and binding upon the Parties.
16. Notice
Any notice which is given by the Parties hereto for the purpose of performing the rights and obligations hereunder shall be in writing. If such notice is
delivered personally, the time of notice is the time when such notice actually reaches the addressee; where such notice is transmitted by telex or
facsimile, the notice time is the time when such notice is transmitted. If such notice does not reach the addressee on a business day or reaches the
addressee after business hours, the next business day following such day is the date of notice. The delivery place is the address first written above for
each of the Parties hereto or the address advised by such party in writing, including facsimile and telex, from time to time.
5
Party A:
Address:
Fax:
Telephone:
Party B:
Address:
Telephone:
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Baidu Building, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing
Shanshan Cui
17. Entire Agreement
Notwithstanding provisions in Article 10 hereof, the Parties agree that this Agreement constitutes the entire agreements of the Parties hereto with respect
to the subject matter herein upon its effectiveness and supersedes and replaces all prior oral and/or written agreements and understandings relating to the
subject matters of this Agreement.
18. Severability
Should any provision of this Agreement be held invalid or unenforceable because of inconsistency with applicable laws, such provision shall be invalid
or unenforceable only to the extent of such applicable laws without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement.
19. Appendices
The appendices to this Agreement shall constitute an integral part of this Agreement.
20. Amendment or Supplement
20.1 The Parties may amend or supplement this Agreement by written agreement. The amendments or supplements to this Agreement duly executed by
both Parties shall form an integral part of this Agreement and shall have the same legal effect as this Agreement.
20.2 This Agreement and any amendments, modifications, supplements, additions or changes hereto shall be in writing and shall be effective upon being
executed and sealed by the Parties hereto.
21. Counterparts
This Agreement is made in Chinese in three originals, with each Party holding one thereof and the remainder filed with competent authority. All
originals shall have the same legal effect.
(No text below)
6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Party has executed or caused this Agreement to be executed by its legal or authorized representative on its behalf as
of the date first written above.
(Signature page only)
Party A:
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
(seal)
Signature:
/s/ Shanshan Cui
Party B:
Shanshan
Cui
Signature:
/s/ Shanshan Cui
7
Appendices:
1.
2.
Register of Shareholders of Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
Resolutions of the Shareholders’ Meeting of Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
8
Appendix I
Register of shareholders of Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
Name of the Shareholder:
ID number:
Residence:
Contribution Amount:
Percentage of Share Capital:
Name of the Shareholder:
ID number:
Residence:
Contribution Amount:
Percentage of Share Capital:
Zhixiang Liang
RMB1,580,000,000.00
50%
Shanshan Cui
RMB1,580,000,000.00
50%
Zhixiang Liang holds 50% equity interests in Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd., the entirety of which has been pledged to Baidu Online Network
Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Shanshan Cui holds 50% equity interests in Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd., the entirety of which has been pledged to Baidu Online Network
Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. is the pledgee of 100% of the equity interests in Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. (seal)
Signature: /s/ Shanshan Cui
Name: Shanshan Cui
Title:
Date: October 30, 2019
Legal representative
9
Resolutions of the Shareholders’ Meeting of Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
Appendix II
In respect of the Equity Pledge Agreement dated October 30, 2019 between the shareholders of Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. (the “Company”)
and Beijing Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., a resolution is unanimously adopted at the shareholders’ meeting of the Company as
follows:
It is approved that the shareholders of the Company pledge all of their equity interests in the Company to Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing)
Co., Ltd.
The resolution was signed and delivered dated October 30, 2019 by the undersigned shareholders.
Shareholders:
Zhixiang Liang
Signature:
/s/ Zhixiang Liang
Shanshan
Cui
Signature:
/s/ Shanshan Cuiang
10
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Exhibit 4.92
I, Zhixiang Liang, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (the “ PRC”) with ID No. and a shareholder holding 50% equity interests of Beijing
Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Perusal”), hereby irrevocably authorizes, pursuant to the Proxy Agreement dated hereof between me and Baidu,
Inc., as well as by designation of Baidu, Inc., Shanshan Cui with the following powers and rights in respect of my existing and future equity holding in
Beijing Perusal (“My Equity”) during the term of this Power of Attorney:
Shanshan Cui is hereby authorized as my sole and exclusive agent to exercise on my behalf all of my rights as a shareholder to vote at shareholders’
meetings of Beijing Perusal in accordance with PRC laws and the articles of Beijing Perusal, including without limitation the right to sell or transfer any
or all of My Equity, and to designate and appoint the general manager of Beijing Perusal as my authorized representative at the shareholders’ meeting of
Beijing Perusal.
Such authorization is premised on the condition that Shanshan Cui is an employee of Baidu, Inc. and its affiliates, and Baidu, Inc. agrees to such
authorization. Once Shanshan Cui’s employment with Baidu, Inc. and its affiliates terminates, or I am notified by Baidu, Inc. to terminate such
authorization, I will withdraw the authorization made hereunder immediately and designate/authorize any other person nominated by Baidu, Inc. to
exercise all of my rights as a shareholder to vote at shareholders’ meetings of Beijing Perusal.
Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, this Power of Attorney is irrevocable and continues to have effect as of the date hereof as long as I holds
equity interests in Beijing Perusal.
(Signature):
/s/ Zhixiang Liang
Date: October 30, 2019
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Exhibit 4.93
I, Shanshan Cui, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (the “ PRC”) with ID No. and a shareholder holding 50% equity interests of Beijing Perusal
Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Perusal”), hereby irrevocably authorizes, pursuant to the Proxy Agreement dated hereof between me and Baidu, Inc., as
well as by designation of Baidu, Inc., Shanshan Cui with the following powers and rights in respect of my existing and future equity holding in Beijing
Perusal (“My Equity”) during the term of this Power of Attorney:
Shanshan Cui is hereby authorized as my sole and exclusive agent to exercise on my behalf all of my rights as a shareholder to vote at shareholders’
meetings of Beijing Perusal in accordance with PRC laws and the articles of Beijing Perusal, including without limitation the right to sell or transfer any
or all of My Equity, and to designate and appoint the general manager of Beijing Perusal as my authorized representative at the shareholders’ meeting of
Beijing Perusal.
Such authorization is premised on the condition that Shanshan Cui is an employee of Baidu, Inc. and its affiliates, and Baidu, Inc. agrees to such
authorization. Once Shanshan Cui’s employment with Baidu, Inc. and its affiliates terminates, or I am notified by Baidu, Inc. to terminate such
authorization, I will withdraw the authorization made hereunder immediately and designate/authorize any other person nominated by Baidu, Inc. to
exercise all of my rights as a shareholder to vote at shareholders’ meetings of Beijing Perusal.
Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, this Power of Attorney is irrevocable and continues to have effect as of the date hereof as long as I holds
equity interests in Beijing Perusal.
(Signature):
/s/ Shanshan Cui
Date: October 30, 2019
List of Principal Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities
Exhibit 8.1
Subsidiaries:
Baidu Holdings Limited — Incorporated in the British Virgin Islands
Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited — Incorporated in Hong Kong
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. — Incorporated in the PRC
Baidu (China) Co., Ltd. — Incorporated in the PRC
Baidu.com Times Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. — Incorporated in the PRC
Baidu International Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. — Incorporated in the PRC
Qiyi.com, Inc. — Incorporated in the Cayman Islands
Beijing QIYI Century Science & Technology Co., Ltd. — Incorporated in the PRC
Baidu Cloud Computing Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. — Incorporated in the PRC
Consolidated Affiliated Entities:
Beijing Baidu Netcom Science Technology Co., Ltd. — Incorporated in the PRC
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. — Incorporated in the PRC
Beijing iQIYI Science & Technology Co., Ltd. — Incorporated in the PRC
185
Exhibit 12.1
Certification by the Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Robin Yanhong Li, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Baidu, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects
the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))
for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the
annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting,
to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal
control over financial reporting.
Date: March 9, 2021
/s/ Robin Yanhong Li
By:
Name: Robin Yanhong Li
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
186
Exhibit 12.2
Certification by the Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Herman Yu, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Baidu, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects
the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))
for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the
annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting,
to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal
control over financial reporting.
Date: March 9, 2021
/s/ Herman Yu
By:
Name: Herman Yu
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
187
Certification by the Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 13.1
In connection with the Annual Report of Baidu, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robin Yanhong Li, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
Date: March 9, 2021
/s/ Robin Yanhong Li
By:
Name: Robin Yanhong Li
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
188
Certification by the Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 13.2
In connection with the Annual Report of Baidu, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Herman Yu, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
Date: March 9, 2021
/s/ Herman Yu
By:
Name: Herman Yu
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
189
[Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP Letterhead]
Exhibit 15.1
Baidu, Inc.
Baidu Campus
No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street
Haidian District, Beijing 100085
The People’s Republic of China
March 9, 2021
Dear Sirs
Baidu, Inc.
We consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Item 10.E. Additional Information—Taxation—Cayman Islands Tax Considerations” and
“Item 16G. Corporate Governance” in Baidu Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2020 (the “Annual Report”), which
will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in the month of March 2021, and further consent to the incorporation by
reference into the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-129374) pertaining to Baidu, Inc.’s 2000 Option Plan, Registration Statement (Form S-8
No. 333-158678) pertaining to Baidu, Inc.’s 2008 Share Incentive Plan, Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-232429) pertaining to Baidu Inc.’s
2018 Share Incentive Plan, and Registration Statement (Form F-3 No. 333-249314) of Baidu, Inc. of the summary of our opinion under the heading
“Item 10.E. Additional Information—Taxation—Cayman Islands Tax Considerations” and “Item 16G. Corporate Governance” in the Annual Report. We
also consent to the filing with the SEC of this consent letter as an exhibit to the Annual Report.
In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities
Act of 1933, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in each case, as amended, or the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Yours faithfully,
/s/ Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
190
[Han Kun Law Offices Letterhead]
Exhibit 15.2
March 9, 2021
Baidu, Inc.
Baidu Campus
No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street
Haidian District, Beijing
People’s Republic of China 100085
Dear Sir/Madam:
We hereby consent to the reference of our name under the heading “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations” in
Baidu, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “Annual Report”), which will be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in the month of March 2021, and further consent to the incorporation by reference into the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-129374) pertaining to Baidu, Inc.’s 2000 Option Plan, Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-158678) pertaining to Baidu, Inc.’s
2008 Share Incentive Plan, Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-232429) pertaining to Baidu Inc.’s 2018 Share Incentive Plan, and Registration
Statement (Form F-3 No. 333-249314) of Baidu, Inc. of the summary of our opinion under the heading “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—
Business Overview—Regulations” in the Annual Report. We also consent to the filing of this consent letter with the SEC as an exhibit to the Annual
Report.
In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities
Act of 1933, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in each case, as amended, or the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Han Kun Law Offices
Han Kun Law Offices
191
Exhibit 15.3
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(1) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-129374) pertaining to Baidu, Inc.’s 2000 Option Plan,
(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-158678) pertaining to Baidu, Inc.’s 2008 Share Incentive Plan,
(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-232429) pertaining to Baidu Inc.’s 2018 Share Incentive Plan, and
(4) Registration Statement (Form F-3 No. 333-249314) of Baidu, Inc.
of our reports dated March 9, 2021, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Baidu, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting of Baidu, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 20-F) of Baidu, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2020.
/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
March 9, 2021
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